Piezoelectric polymer nanostructures for tissue growth stimulation.

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Piezoelectric polymer nanostructures for tissue growth stimulation.Description: Cell stimulation can occur via three main methods; chemical, mechanical and electronic. This project will explore the latter two techniques via the medium of piezoelectric nanowires, which can be utilised to produce mechanical stimulation via the application of an electric field. In addition the application of the electric field itself is expected to influence cell growth and behaviour. It is eventually hoped that sufficient control of tissue stimulation may be achieved to create tissue interfacing devices, to replace less biocompatible synthetic devices.Key Objectives: The project aims to identify and develop a suitable biocompatible piezoelectric material whose properties can be controlled at the nanoscale through process control. These will then be integrated with electrical detection capability using an aerosol-jet printing technique that will provide micron-level electrical access to the piezoelectric nanostructures, thus resulting in a bio-electromechanical interfacing platform. This platform will then be deployed to study and control the behaviour of a variety of different cell types, with efforts towards targeted cell and tissue growth and stimulation.Novel Science: The ability to dynamically control the electromechanical environment of biological material at the cellular level will shed new light on the mechanisms determining cell signalling and behaviour. Importantly, this project will provide a powerful tool to manipulate the local environment of cells using external electric fields that could lead to advances in directed tissue growth and regeneration.