Effect of electrical stimulation generated by self-powered systems for tissue repair.

Abstract

Bioelectricity plays an important role in tissue repair. Nanogenerators can harvest biomechanical energy and convert it into electrical signals, producing electrical stimulation (ES) for diverse biomedical applications including sensing, tissue repair, cardiac pacing, etc. This review focuses on the overview of the single or multifunctional role of ES generated by self-powered nanogenerators in bone and tendon, nerve, skin, and myocardial tissue repair. Particularly, to elucidate the differential cellular responses and effects on endogenous electric fields between conventional repair and ES-enhanced tissue regeneration, the possible mechanisms by which ES promotes repair in different tissues are summarized. Eventually, the ES parameters and the matching between the type of ES produced by the nanogenerator and the practical application scenario of biological tissue are discussed. The main challenges and future perspectives of nanogenerators in tissue therapy are also proposed, expecting to promote the development of this emerging restoration method. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: As miniature devices for tissue repair, self-powered nanogenerators can achieve the ambitious goal of self-supplying energy and efficient tissue repair. This review article details the electrical stimulation generated by self-powered nanogenerators in different tissue repair by simulating and augmenting endogenous bioelectrical signals. Introducing the classification and mechanisms of nanogenerators and reviewing the influence of the electrical stimulation and electric field in bone and tendon, nerve, skin, and myocardial tissue repair. Notably, the possible mechanisms by which electrical stimulation acts on different tissues are concluded. Lastly, the match between types of nanogenerators and different tissues is proposed, and the main challenges and perspectives of nanogenerators in tissue therapy are also discussed.