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Updated: May 21, 2025

Bridging the Bio-Electronic Interface with Biofabrication
Published on: June 6, 2012
Shape-morphing bioelectronic devices
Shiwei Xu1,2, Ruoxi Yang1,2, Youzhou Yang1,2
1Mechano-X Institute, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China. yihuizhang@tsinghua.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Shape-morphing bioelectronic devices, which can actively transform their geometric configurations in response to external stimuli (e.g., light, heat, electricity, and magnetic fields), have enabled many unique applications in different areas, ranging from human-machine interfaces to biomedical applications. These devices can not only realize in vivo deformations to execute specific tasks, form conformal contacts with target organs for real-time monitoring, and dynamically reshape their structures to adjust functional properties, but also assist users in daily activities through physical interactions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in shape-morphing bioelectronic devices, covering their fundamental working principles, representative deformation modes, and advanced manufacturing methodologies. Then, a broad range of practical applications of shape-morphing bioelectronics are summarized, including electromagnetic devices, optoelectronic devices, biological devices, biomedical devices, and haptic interfaces. Finally, we discuss key challenges and emerging opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, providing insights into future research directions and potential breakthroughs.

