Characterizing Piezoelectric‐Blended Polydimethylsiloxane for Use as a Mechanoelectrical Responsive Cell Culture Substrate

In this study, we developed a piezoelectric-polydimethylsiloxane (pz-PDMS) composite by blending poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) with PDMS to create a biocompatible, mechanoelectrical responsive material. The pz-PDMS was synthesized with varying piezoelectric concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%) and characterized for visual properties, mechanical properties, mechanoelectrical sensitivity, and biocompatibility. Compression testing showed no significant change in mechanical strength with the addition of piezoelectric particles, while mechanolectrical sensitivity testing revealed a non-linear increase in voltage response, with 5% pz-PDMS producing the highest sensitivity. Fatigue testing demonstrated no change in sensitivity after 7 days of cyclic displacement. Additionally, microcantilever experiments demonstrated the high fidelity of the 5% pz-PDMS to mechanical deformation. In parallel, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes cultured on both 0% pz-PDMS and 5% pz-PDMS substrates exhibited comparable cell viability, attachment, and maturation, as confirmed by MTS assays and immunofluorescence imaging. The results suggest that 5% pz-PDMS offers a promising platform for bioelectronic applications, combining piezoelectric functionality with long-term biocompatibility.