Title: Piezoelectricity in biomedical innovation: a systematic review of human-centric devices, applications, challenges and future directions

Authors: Fatima Hassan; Taha Sana; Hamna Rana

Addresses: College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Rawelpindi, Pakistan ' College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Rawelpindi, Pakistan ' College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Rawelpindi, Pakistan

Abstract: Piezoelectricity has emerged as a key mechanism in biomedical engineering, enabling localised electrical stimulation, sensing, and energy harvesting in human-centric devices. This systematic review analyses recent advances (2021-2025) in piezoelectric materials, device architectures, and biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, implantable and wearable systems, biosensors, neural interfaces, and drug delivery. Polymer-based materials such as PVDF exhibit superior flexibility and biocompatibility, whereas ceramic materials provide higher electromechanical efficiency but face limitations related to toxicity and mechanical mismatch. Despite their potential for self-powered operation and bioelectric modulation, clinical translation remains constrained by low power output, signal-to-noise limitations, material instability, and integration challenges with biological tissues. This review identifies material innovation, device miniaturisation, and system integration as key barriers to deployment, and highlights future directions toward lead-free nanomaterials, flexible hybrid electronics, and scalable biomedical applications.

Keywords: piezoelectric biomaterials; implantable biomedical devices; bioelectric stimulation; self-powered sensing; flexible piezoelectric systems; clinical translation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2026.155800

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2026 Vol.51 No.1, pp.38 - 76

Received: 22 Oct 2025
Accepted: 16 Feb 2026
Published online: 14 Aug 2026 *

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