Magnetoelectric 3D Microenvironments for Tissue Engineering: A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Magnetoelectric (ME) scaffolds offer unique capabilities by converting magnetic fields into localized electric stimuli.
• This property is crucial for developing advanced microenvironments in tissue engineering (bone, skin, nerve repair) and other applications like biosensing and energy harvesting.
• Exogenous electric potentials from ME scaffolds can accelerate healing, guide cellular behavior, and modulate immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review fabrication methods for ME scaffolds with tailored structures and phase compositions.
• To emphasize the multifunctionality and biomedical applications of these advanced materials.
• To discuss current limitations and provide a future outlook for ME scaffold development.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advancements in material composition and hierarchical structuring of ME scaffolds.
• Analysis of various fabrication technologies enabling control over biological interactions and functional outputs.
• Examination of polymer- and hydrogel-based 3D constructions for ME microenvironments.

Main Results:

• Recent progress has expanded the design space for ME scaffolds, enhancing control over biological interactions and functional outputs.
• ME scaffolds show significant potential in tissue engineering, biosensing, energy harvesting, and the Internet of Things.
• Tailored structures and phase compositions are key to optimizing ME scaffold performance.

Conclusions:

• ME scaffolds are promising multifunctional platforms for regenerative medicine and advanced technological applications.
• Addressing challenges in biocompatibility, stimulation efficiency, and scalable manufacturing is crucial for clinical translation.
• Interdisciplinary integration and strategic design are essential to accelerate the development and application of ME microenvironments.