Recent advances of piezoelectric materials used in sonodynamic therapy of tumor

Abstract

Piezoelectric materials, recognized as unique functional materials due to their ability to interconvert mechanical and electrical energy, have demonstrated broad application prospects in the biomedical field. Particularly in cancer therapy, piezoelectric materials serve as sonosensitizers that generate internal electric fields under ultrasonic-induced mechanical force, modulating the migration of electrons and holes, and subsequently triggering surface redox reactions to enhance the efficacy of sonodynamic therapy (SDT). SDT, as an emerging non-invasive treatment modality, showcases distinctive advantages such as high tissue penetration, strong spatiotemporal controllability, and low treatment costs due to the synergistic interaction between ultrasound and sonosensitizers. This review systematically discusses various types of piezoelectric materials, with a focus on the recent research progress, mechanisms of action, and optimization strategies of novel materials like perovskites in the SDT domain. Additionally, the applications of piezoelectric materials in the combined treatment of SDT with other therapies are introduced, and the prospects and potential of these materials in tumor sonodynamic therapy are highlighted. By delving into the fundamental principles of the piezoelectric effect and its mechanistic role in SDT, this review offers new perspectives and insights into the biomedical applications of piezoelectric materials.