Piezoelectric materials for bone implants: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

The rapid advancement of modern medical technology and materials science has facilitated extensive research and application of artificial bone implants for treating bone defects. However, these implants still face challenges such as insufficient osseointegration and bacterial infections, which limit their clinical application. Piezoelectric materials have garnered considerable attention for their potential to promote bone repair and enhance the sustainability of medical applications. In this review, we systematically examine the advances in piezoelectric materials for bone implants. First, the potential of piezoelectric materials in addressing major clinical challenges in bone implantation are discussed. The most commonly used piezoelectric materials in bone implants, including inorganic and organic materials as well as piezoelectric composites, are classified and examined. Subsequently, we explore the various forms of piezoelectric materials used in bone implants, such as particles, coatings, and scaffolds, highlighting their advantages and limitations in improving osseointegration and preventing bacterial infections. Finally, the progress in the clinical application of piezoelectric materials is further analyzed, and both the opportunities and challenges they present in the treatment of bone defects are proposed. Overall, this review systematically examines the advances in piezoelectric materials for bone implants and aims to facilitate the development of novel piezoelectric materials and accelerate the transition of these materials from basic research to clinical application.