Recently, faculty and students from the School of Mechanical Engineering achieved innovative progress in reshaping the topological structure of biological piezoelectric materials. The findings were published in Advanced Materials under the title Topology in Biological Piezoelectric Materials. Jiangsu University (JSU) is the primary institution for this paper. Master student from the School of Mechanical Engineering Chen Chen is the first author. Collaborators include Dr. Zheng Yi of City University of Hong Kong, master students of JSU Zhang Yi and Liu Hongyi, Prof. Wu Jiang from Shandong University, and Dr. Liang Yang from Cranfield University. Associate Prof. Zhang Yanhu from the School of Mechanical Engineering of JSU and Prof. Yang Zhengbao from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology are the co-corresponding authors.

The application potential of biological piezoelectric materials is increasingly evident, yet existing design and optimization strategies face challenges, particularly in the precise control of micro- and nano-structures. After polarization, piezoelectric materials develop internally oriented electric domain structures. The spatial arrangement and distribution patterns of domain walls constitute the material's microscopic topological configuration. The distribution characteristics of domain walls are closely linked to the material's electric-force coupling properties, which determine the functional response capabilities of piezoelectric materials. Topology as a mathematical tool for studying geometric forms and spatial structures, provides a profound descriptive framework. It not only characterizes the interconnection patterns and spatial arrangement of electric domains within materials, but also elucidates how this microscopic topological structure influences piezoelectric response and stability.

Addressing the core technical bottlenecks currently faced by biological piezoelectric materials in energy conversion efficiency, long-term service stability, and biocompatibility, this review systematically explores the regulatory mechanisms and profound impacts of topological structure design on the performance and functionality of bio-piezoelectric materials. It highlights cutting-edge strategies including multiscale collaborative design, machine learning-driven topological optimization, and innovations in high-precision fabrication processes. The review further explores the specific application prospects and accompanying challenges of topologically optimized biological piezoelectric materials in biomedical fields such as health monitoring, biosensing, energy harvesting, and targeted therapy. Finally, it outlines future research directions in this field, aiming to provide new theoretical frameworks and technical pathways to advance the innovation and development of biological piezoelectric materials.

(Source: School of Mechanical Engineering)