Flexoelectricity in Biological Materials and Its Potential Applications in Biomedical Research.

Abstract

Flexoelectricity arises in materials under strain gradients, which can be particularly significant for situations in which the existence of other electromechanical properties is absent or generating large flexoelectric properties is achievable. This effect has also been observed in some biological materials, whose understanding can hugely help to further enhance our understanding of vital biological processes like mechanotransduction, as well as the development of applications in regenerative medicine and drug delivery. While the field of flexoelectricity as a relevant topic in biological materials is relatively new and still developing, the current study aims to review available results on flexoelectric effects in biological materials such as cells and cell membranes, hearing mechanisms, and bone, and their potential applications in biomedical research. Therefore, we first provide a brief background on two main electromechanical couplings (piezoelectricity and flexoelectricity) and further, how flexoelectricity has been experimentally and theoretically identified. We then review flexoelectricity in different biological materials as the main aim of the current study. Within that, we provide additional emphasis on the influence of this effect on bone and bone remodeling. In particular, the study outlines current limitations and provides potential directions for future work, emphasizing the crucial role in the development of next-generation electromechanical devices and optimizing their function in the area of biomedical research.