Cold-Induced Pyroelectric Stimulation Enhances Implant Osteointegration via TRPM8 Activation.

Li, Kai; Xu, Zishan; Liu, Xiaojia; Xu, Wenyan; Wang, Xueqing; Zhang, Jiajia; Chen, Yi; Liu, Xiaoyi et al. · Adv Mater · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Electrical signals serve as important modulators in bone regeneration, yet recreating this self-sustaining bioelectrical microenvironment at the peri-implant interface remains challenging. In this study, we engineered pyroelectric nanostructure coatings on titanium (Ti) implants to enhance implant osteointegration through temperature fluctuation-driven electrical stimulation. The pyroelectric titanium (pyroTi) implants leverage the combined effects of the pyroelectric effect and cold stimulation to amplify calcium ion (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) influx by activating cold-sensitive transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) ion channel, therefore driving osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). As a demonstration, pyroTi used as a dental implant in the rabbit maxilla showed enhanced osteointegration under routine cold-water intake. This study establishes a proof of concept for pyroelectric biomaterials that harness physiological temperature variations to potentiate bone-implant integration.

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