In a significant advancement for medical technology, scientists at Southeast University have unveiled a groundbreaking piezoelectric material that promises to transform future medical implants. Led by Zhang Hanyue and Professor Xiong Rengen, the team developed a biodegradable ferroelectric molecular crystal that outperforms previous options by an impressive 13-fold increase in piezoelectric performance.
Piezoelectric materials are unique in their ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, making them ideal for devices such as pacemakers and drug delivery systems. Traditional materials require a second surgery for removal after their purpose is served, adding costs and surgical risks.
The newly discovered material boasts a piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of approximately 138 picocoulombs per newton, significantly higher than earlier biodegradable alternatives. When combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the material gains high flexibility and biocompatibility, allowing it to safely dissolve within the body over time and eliminating the need for removal surgery.
This innovation opens the door for a wide range of next-generation medical implants that are not only more effective but also safer and more convenient for patients. Published in the March 29 issue of Science magazine, this research marks a monumental leap forward in the field of medical implants, hailed by Chinese media as a landmark breakthrough since the Curie brothers' discovery of the piezoelectric effect in 1880.
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Chinese scientists discover new material for future medical implants
cgtn.com
