Anisotropic Electrical Properties of Bone Tissue: A Basis for Fabrication of Anisotropic Conductive Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Zohreh Daraeinejad¹ Iman Shabani²

1) Amirkabir University of Technology.
2) Amirkabir University of Technology.

Publication : 3rd International Congress On Engineering, Technology and Innovation(eticong.com/3rd)
Abstract :
Bone is a highly inhomogeneous and anisotropic tissue in terms of composition and structure. This special composition and structure have given unique properties to the bone. In this study, we reviewed the effect of anisotropic compositional and structural properties of bone on the electrical properties of this complex tissue with the aim of fabrication of anisotropic conductive scaffolds that provide electrical signal for cells. In general, bone tissue is considered as an electroactive material. The electroactivity of bone is examined from various aspects including conductivity, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, ferroelectric, and electret properties. The accurate quantification of the electrical properties of the bone is challenging and depends on a lot of variables. For this reason, checking the electrical properties of bone is used as a tool to diagnose bone diseases. On the other hand, electroactivity of bone has led researchers to consider the use of electrical stimulation as a promising approach to repairing bone defects. The use of electrical signals in orthopaedic practice has focused primarily on promoting fracture healing, especially for non-union patients. Recently, electrical stimulation has even been suggested for the prevention of osteoporosis, enhancing angiogenesis, and regulating stem cell behaviours for bone tissue engineering. As a result, having sufficient knowledge about the electrical properties of bone could promote the development of promising applications of electrical signals in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Keywords : Electrical signal Regenerative medicine Anisotropic Bone tissue engineering