Polymer-based magnetoelectric scaffolds for wireless bone repair: The fillers' effect on extracellular microenvironments

Replicating the natural cellular environment is a critical strategy when employing biomaterials to enhance tissue regeneration. However, effectively controlling physical cues, including electrical and mechanical stimuli, in the extracellular microenvironment to promote tissue regeneration, remains a challenging endeavor. This study presents the technological utilization of magnetoelectric (ME) composites, capable of delivering electrical and mechanical stimuli through remote activation using a magnetic field, for applications in bone-related tissue engineering. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) scaffolds incorporating two types of magnetostrictive particles, namely Terfenol-D (TD) microparticles and CoFe2O4 (CFO) nanoparticles, were used to investigate the impact of mechano-electrical stimuli on preosteoblast cells. The results demonstrate that when such stimuli are applied through a custom-made magnetic bioreactor, both proliferation rate and mineralization increase. Such outcomes are dependent on the specific magnetic particles incorporated in the composite. These findings underscore the significance of designing magnetostrictive properties in ME active biomaterials to achieve successful bone regeneration. Thus, a strategy is presented to emulate the electrical and cellular microenvironment, enabling precise, controlled, and effective bone regenerative therapies.