Self-Powered Hybrid Scaffolds for Accelerated Hard Tissue Regeneration: Electrical and Osteogenic Response

One of the recent innovations in the field of hard tissue regeneration is the development of energy-harvesting self-powered implants. Self-powered implants are known for providing extrinsic electrical stimulations to the defective sites of bone, resulting in accelerated bone regeneration. Towards this end, our study focuses on the development of electroactive BaTiO₃-modified poly(vinylidene) fluoride (PVDF) self-powered hybrid scaffolds using solvent casting and hot compression molding. The power developed by PVDF, PVDF-15 wt % BaTiO₃ (PVDF-15BT), PVDF-25 wt % BaTiO₃ (PVDF-25BT), and PVDF-35 wt % BaTiO₃ (PVDF-35BT) are ∼0.591 μW/cm², ∼5.049 μW/cm², ∼6.300 μW/cm², and ∼7.516 μW/cm², respectively. The polarizability of the hybrid scaffolds was assessed using relative permittivity, AC conductivity, P-E hysteresis analysis, and energy density measurements. The incorporation of BT filler significantly enhances the dielectric and piezoelectric behaviors. MG-63 cell culture studies were performed to assess cytocompatibility through fluorescence imaging and viability assays. Osteogenic potential was evaluated via Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red S staining for calcium deposition, while hemocompatibility tests confirmed the materials' blood-contact safety. Cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation (ALP), hemocompatibility, and calcium deposition of osteoblast-like MG-63 cells are substantially augmented. These outcomes recommend that BT-modified PVDF self-powered hybrid scaffolds are suitable for hard tissue regeneration.