Open AccessEndogenous Electric Signaling as a Blueprint for Conductive Materials in Tissue Engineering
Author(s) -
Alena Casella,
Alyssa Panitch,
J. Kent Leach
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
bioelectricity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2576-3113
pISSN - 2576-3105
DOI - 10.1089/bioe.2020.0027
Subject(s) - tissue engineering , endogeny , electrical conductor , nanotechnology , neuroscience , blueprint , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , materials science , biochemical engineering , biology , engineering , biomedical engineering , mechanical engineering , electrical engineering , biochemistry
Bioelectricity plays an important role in cell behavior and tissue modulation, but is understudied in tissue engineering research. Endogenous electrical signaling arises from the transmembrane potential inherent to all cells and contributes to many cell behaviors, including migration, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Electrical signals are also involved in tissue development and repair. Synthetic and natural conductive materials are under investigation for leveraging endogenous electrical signaling cues in tissue engineering applications due to their ability to direct cell differentiation, aid in maturing electroactive cell types, and promote tissue functionality. In this review, we provide a brief overview of bioelectricity and its impact on cell behavior, report recent literature using conductive materials for tissue engineering, and discuss opportunities within the field to improve experimental design when using conductive substrates.