Recent Advances in Biodegradable Conducting Polymers and Their Biomedical Applications

The growing importance of biodegradable conducting polymers (CPs) have fueled the rapid development of this unique class of polymeric materials in recent years. Possessing both the electrical conductivity approaching those of metallic conductors and the biodegradability of biocompatible polymers, biodegradable CPs are highly sought after. In fact, they have emerged as the ideal biomaterials, having immense potential for augmenting a wide range of practical biomedical applications. Herein, we provide a broad overview of recent advances in the development of biodegradable CPs and their biomedical applications. We first introduce the fundamentals of conducting and biodegradable polymers, followed by discussions on the major strategies currently used to fabricate biodegradable CPs. We then highlight the potential biomedical applications of biodegradable CPs (specifically those for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biomedical imaging as well as biomedical implants, bioelectronics devices, and consumer electronics). We conclude this review by offering our perspectives on the current challenges and future opportunities facing the development and practical applications of biodegradable CPs.