Electroactive Nanomaterials in Tissue Engineering: Advances, Mechanisms and Future Perspectives

Simulation of the dynamic electromechanical microenvironment is of great significance in tissue engineering, especially in the regeneration of those electrically responsive tissues, such as nerves, heart and bone. In recent years, electroactive nanomaterials (ENMs) have shown great potentials in tissue engineering due to their intrinsic conductivity, piezoelectricity and redox activity, which can regulate cell functions in a controlled manner. Reports regarding the use of ENMs for tissue engineering have been well documented in the past few years, and it is time to conduct the systematic summarization and analysis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the applications of ENMs in tissue engineering. The biophysical interactions of ENMs with cells are summarized, with focus on electrical stimulation, dynamic ion flux regulation, mechanotransduction, sensitive detection of redox signaling molecules, and immunomodulatory microenvironment. The preclinical breakthroughs, such as conductive polymers enhancing neural regeneration and piezoelectric nanomaterials promoting bone remodeling, and the potential barriers for clinical translation are discussed. Furthermore, we also discuss the possible use of AI for ENMs optimization and clinical translation. This review may guide the rational design and application of ENMs in tissue engineering.