Nanogenerators and Self-Powered Microdevices Applied to Wireless Electrical Stimulation at Cell Level

Abstract

An overview on nanogenerators and energy harvesting systems applied to electrical stimulation of electroactive cells is introduced in this paper. We have already demonstrated the use of ZnO nanostructures and other piezoelectric materials to stimulate osteoblast-like and muscle cells, by means of the local modulation of their membrane potentials with submicron spatial resolution. This stimulation improved proliferation and accelerated differentiation, and seem to be a great tool for the future bioelectronic nanomedicines. Our research is now focused on the development of biocompatible microdevices that integrate smart materials for wireless stimulation of excitable cells, by means of ultrasound or electromagnetic signals.