The strain-generated electrical potential in cartilaginous tissues: a role for piezoelectricity

Abstract The strain-generated potential (SGP) is a well-established mechanism in cartilaginous tissues whereby mechanical forces generate electrical potentials. In articular cartilage (AC) and the intervertebral disc (IVD), studies on SGP have focused fluid- ionic-driven effects, namely Donnan, diffusion streaming However, recent evidence has indicated direct coupling between strain potential. Piezoelectricity one such deformation of most biological structures, like collagen, can directly an this review, AC IVD will be revisited light piezoelectricity mechanotransduction. While base for physiologically significant piezoelectric responses tissue lacking, difficulties quantifying physiological response imperfect measurement techniques may underestimated property. Hindering our understanding further, numerical models to-date negated ferroelectric effects utilised classic Donnan theory that, as argues, oversimplified. Moreover, changes with degeneration due to altered extracellular matrix (ECM) indicate that significance mechanisms diminish relative response. SGP, these behind it, are finally discussed relation cell