Effect of poling state of piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) films on C2C12 myoblast differentiation for skeletal muscle tissue engineering

Abstract

[Excerpt] Skeletal muscles, comprising between 40-45% of an adult human body mass, are responsible for generating voluntary movement, postural support, breathing and locomotion. Severe injuries resulting in a muscle mass loss can lead to extensive and irreversible loss of muscle function [1]. In this sense, tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine are growing fields of interest due to promising results in regenerating tissue functions [1]. Adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of specific cells can be promoted and/or improved by the use of active materials. In particular, piezoelectric materials allow incorporating electrical and mechanical stimuli to the cells. This is a recent paradigm with large potential in TE applications [2]. Further, many body tissues are subjected to varying mechanical loads, such as muscle [3], and the charge surface can stimulate cell response. In this sense, the use of polymer based electroactive materials capable to mimic mechanical and electrical biological cues emerged as a novel approach for TE applications. [...]