Recent Advance of Triboelectric Nanogenerator-Based Electrical Stimulation in Healthcare

Abstract

Along with the continuous aging of the population, various diseases have brought a great threat to human health and a large economic burden. The development of advanced medical devices has gained global attention for disease treatment. Electrical stimulation refers to stimulation and treatment of cells by high output voltage, which is an important rehabilitation and therapeutic strategy in medical treatment. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which are lightweight and feature high-voltage output and flexible structure, have drawn great attention in the field of disease treatment for health care. The conversion of the body’s mechanical energy into electrical pulses to stimulate cells for health treatment through TENG has promising applications. Using uniquely designed TENGs to convert human mechanical energy into electrical impulses to stimulate cells is considered a promising health treatment. Here, we review the recent progress of TENG-based electrical stimulation for disease treatments, focusing on the structure, materials, and performances of the TENGs used in diverse facets of healthcare. More importantly, we systematically discuss the application of TENG-based electrical stimulation in wound healing, osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, muscle stimulation, nerve stimulation, and pacemakers. Finally, several developmental challenges of and prospective solutions for TENG-based electrical stimulation are discussed and summarized in light of recent advances.