Self-powered and biocompatible electrospun PVDF/ZrO2 based piezoelectric energy harvesting device for oral health monitoring and dental care

Objective To develop a self-powered, flexible, and biocompatible piezoelectric energy harvesting device for real-time oral health monitoring and therapeutic applications. Methods A composite membrane was fabricated by combining polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) nanoparticles (0–3.0 wt%) using electrospinning technology. The membrane was characterized morphologically, chemically, mechanically, and piezoelectrically. The resulting piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) was integrated into bite-force testing films, mouthguards, and aligners. Biocompatibility was assessed using CCK-8, LIVE/DEAD, immunofluorescence, and ICP-OES analyses. Results The addition of 1.0 wt% ZrO₂ significantly increased the β-phase content and piezoelectric output, yielding a peak voltage of 0.81 V under 0.5 MPa pressure. A two-layer mouthguard achieved up to 1.05 V, enabling real-time bite-force monitoring with excellent linear response. Biocompatibility tests confirmed no cytotoxicity, along with normal cell adhesion and proliferation. Significance This work provides a biocompatible, self-powered piezoelectric platform that can harvest oral mechanical energy for wearable diagnostics and therapies, offering a promising strategy for advanced, real-time oral healthcare systems.