Dielectric Electroactive Polymers for Tissue Engineering

Dielectric electroactive polymers (DEAPs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation tissue engineering due to their unique combination of flexibility, biocompatibility, and electromechanical responsiveness. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of DEAPs with a focus on their relevance to biological systems. It explores various elastomeric materials including silicones, polyurethanes, acrylates, and biodegradable polymers such as PLA, PEG, and PCL highlighting their mechanical, electrical, and biological properties, along with specific applications in tissue repair and regeneration. The chapter also discusses processing techniques suitable for biomedical use, including casting, printing, and surface functionalization, which enable precise control over scaffold architecture and performance. Additionally, the fundamentals of dielectric electroactive actuators (DEAs) are explained in the context of tissue engineering, showcasing their role in delivering dynamic mechanical cues to cells. The integration of DEAPs into biomimetic systems opens exciting possibilities for engineered tissues, smart scaffolds, and soft biomedical devices.