Biological material PVDF: Challenges in peripheral nerve fascicle regeneration

Peripheral nerve repair requires biomimetic scaffolds capable of recapitulating the complex anatomical and electrophysiological microenvironment of native tissues. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymer P(VDF-TrFE) have emerged as leading piezoelectric biomaterials, generating in situ electrical cues under physiological mechanical stimuli to promote neural regeneration. Recently, Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) interfacial polarization strategies have significantly advanced these systems. By integrating functional secondary phases, these composites exhibit enhanced local electric fields, targeted β-phase nucleation, and robust dipole alignment. However, optimizing interfacial polarization requires carefully mitigating filler agglomeration, excessive dielectric loss, and elevated leakage currents to maintain polarization stability. This review systematically examines PVDF/P(VDF-TrFE) crystalline structures, fundamental MWS polarization mechanisms, and advanced interface construction strategies for neural scaffolds. Highlighting high-impact studies from the past 3 years, we summarize recent breakthroughs in interfacial regulation, β-phase modulation, and wireless electrical stimulation for nerve repair. Finally, we address critical ongoing challenges—namely, the polarization-loss trade-off, insufficient long-term in vivo safety evaluations, and ambiguous neural regeneration pathways—offering strategic insights for the future material design and clinical translation of piezoelectric neural scaffolds.