Piezoelectric Phenomena in Biological Tissues

Abstract

Biological structures, at different organization levels (macromolecules, tissues, etc.) present a typical spiral shape. Spirals do not have a center of symmetry and hence almost all biological matter possesses piezoelectricity properties. Thus, the possibility to convert mechanical signals into electric ones, and viceversa, is not only ascribed to minerals or ceramics. In this chapter, after reminding essential elements on piezoelectricity and its connection with material structure, the piezoelectric properties of two typical macromolecular components, cellulose (for plants) and collagen (for animals) are introduced, and their role in biological tissues is described.