Green Electrochemical Point-of-Care Devices: Transient Materials and Sustainable Fabrication Methods

The spread of point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic tests using electrochemical sensors poses a significant environmental challenge, especially in limited-resource settings due to the lack of waste management infrastructure. This issue is expected to intensify with the emergence of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), necessitating eco-friendly solutions for disposable devices. This review discusses efforts to develop green and sustainable PoC diagnostic devices, clarifying terms like biodegradability and transient electronics. It explores potential transient and biodegradable materials and fabrication technologies, emphasizing sustainable electronics with low-energy consumption and low-carbon footprint techniques, particularly favoring printing methods. The review highlights examples of necessary electronic components containing biodegradable materials for electrochemical PoC devices and discusses their role in device sustainability. Finally, it examines the feasibility of integrating these components and technologies into comprehensive biodegradable PoC devices, addressing the imminent need for eco-friendly solutions in diagnostic testing. This comprehensive discussion serves as a guide for researchers and developers striving to mitigate the environmental impact of PoC testing in the era of IoMT and personalized medicine.