Self-powered pulsed direct current stimulation system for enhancing osteogenesis in MC3T3-E1

Abstract Promoting the differentiation of osteoblasts is critical to maintain bone homeostasis for treatment osteoporosis and fracture healing. For these orthopedic diseases, a portable, highly patient compliance therapy device remains a great challenge. Here, we proposed a biomechanical-energy-driven shape memory piezoelectric nanogenerator (sm-PENG) that integrated with fixation splint to promote osteogenic differentiation. The pulsed direct current (DC) generated from the sm-PENG effectively promote MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cell proliferation, orientation and increase intracellular calcium ion. At the same time, the ALP activity of cells is also improved by pulsed-DC under long-term culture conditions. Ultimately, increasing calcium deposition, extracellular matrix mineralization and osteogenesis. Our work demonstrates the potential of sm-PENG as a power source for pulsed-DC stimulation of bone repair, and shows great prospect self-powered and portable electronic medical device.