The researchers — who are based at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the City University of Hong Kong and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne — tune the spatial organization of biomolecular inks through electrohydrodynamic aerosolization and in situ electrical poling. Films printed from β-glycine–polyvinylpyrrolidone have a piezoelectric voltage coefficient of 190 × 10⁻³ Vm N⁻¹, which is higher than the commonly used piezoelectric material lead zirconate titanate. The films are mechanically flexible and completely degrade after 2 h in natural environments (such as on the surface of soil). As a proof of concept, Yang and colleagues used a β-glycine piezoelectric ultrasonic energy harvester to create an external charging system for transcutaneous implants.

Original reference: Sci. Adv. 10, eadq3195 (2024)