Integrating bioelectronics with bioengineered constructs to enhance regeneration and functionality of excitable tissues

The intricacies of excitable tissues, including cardiac, nervous, and skeletal muscle systems, pose substantial challenges in creating artificial analogs that can replicate their bioelectrical, structural, and mechanical attributes. Recent developments have underscored the critical role of bioelectrical microenvironments in cellular behavior, tissue regeneration, and therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, there is a growing focus on devising artificial electrical microenvironments to bolster the regeneration and functionality of excitable cells and tissues.
Published in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, Prof. Jiankang He’s team from Xi’an Jiaotong University introduces advancements in bioelectronics and bioengineered constructs that could lead to next-generation implantable devices for restoring the functionality of excitable tissues and organs.
This review elucidates the pivotal role and intrinsic mechanisms of electrical microenvironments in fostering the development of excitable cells and tissues, and discusses the electrical interactions between conductive implants (including electroactive scaffolds and bioelectronic devices) and excitable tissues. It highlights the emerging trend in engineering living tissue construct-bioelectronic hybrids with great potential for restoring and modulating damaged excitable tissues, while also exploring the intersection of bioelectronics and tissue engineering to offer insights into future progress in this rapidly evolving field.
Bioelectrical processes are fundamental to the proper functioning of living cells and the physiological behavior of excitable tissues like the heart, nerves, and muscles. When these tissues suffer severe damage, they often develop fibrosis, which impairs bioelectrical signaling and leads to dysfunction. To tackle the challenges of malignant remodeling in damaged excitable tissues/organs, tissue engineering has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional therapies.
As the importance of bioelectricity in tissue functionality becomes clearer, researchers are focusing more on creating artificial electrical microenvironments. These include the use of electroactive scaffolds and the application of exogenous electrostimulation (ES) via bioelectronic devices. “Electroactive biomaterials have shown great potential in regulating cellular activity, enhancing communication between cells, and improving tissue functionality,” explains Dr. Zijie Meng, “Additionally, programmed ES helps align, couple, and function of excitable cells. Together, these methods might offer a powerful solution for restoring electromechanical coupling with host tissues and supporting tissue maturation.”
Implantable bioelectronics, such as cardiac pacemakers, are already being used to correct tissue dysfunction by harnessing the electrical responsiveness of excitable tissues. However, as PhD student Bingsong Gu points out, the real challenge lies in integrating bioelectronic components that can precisely monitor and intervene within the bioengineered constructs.
A key aspect of the integration is ensuring compatibility between living cells, scaffolds, and bioelectronics. Several approaches have been explored so far, including incorporating biodegradable scaffolds onto microfabricated electronics and depositing conductive bioelectronic elements onto engineered scaffolds.
Despite the long road from laboratory to clinic, Professor Jiankang He and his team are optimistic about the future of integrating bioelectronics with bioengineered constructs. “This convergence has the potential to significantly advance tissue engineering and redefine how intelligent implants are designed,” he states. “While current research offers valuable insights, the journey to clinical applications will require collaborative efforts across disciplines to overcome technical challenges in electronics, biomaterials, and manufacturing. With continued innovation, bioelectronic-tissue hybrids may soon provide transformative treatments for excitable tissue regeneration.”

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International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (IF: 16.1, consecutive 1st in the Engineering, Manufacturing category) is a multidisciplinary and double-anonymous peer-reviewed journal uniquely publishing original articles and reviews of the highest quality and impact in the areas related to extreme manufacturing, ranging from fundamentals to process, measurement, and systems, as well as materials, structures, and devices with extreme functionalities.

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