Recent Progress of Biomaterial-Based Hydrogels for Wearable and Implantable Bioelectronics.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Bioelectronics for wearable and implantable devices are crucial for continuous health monitoring and disease diagnosis.
• Natural biopolymer-derived hydrogels are highly promising due to biocompatibility, mechanical compliance, and tunable properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in natural biopolymer-based hydrogels for bioelectronic applications.
• To discuss material characteristics, modification strategies, and applications in bioelectronic interfaces.

Main Methods:

• Review of protein-based hydrogels (gelatin, collagen, silk fibroin, gluten) and carbohydrate-based hydrogels (chitosan, cellulose, alginate, starch).
• Analysis of material properties, modification techniques for enhanced performance, and bioelectronic interface applications.
• Exploration of applications in signal sensing, recording, and electrical stimulation.

Main Results:

• Natural hydrogels exhibit excellent biocompatibility and tissue-like mechanical properties.
• Modification strategies can significantly improve electrical and mechanical performance for bioelectronic applications.
• Diverse applications demonstrated in physiological/biochemical sensing and electrical stimulation.

Conclusions:

• Natural biopolymer hydrogels are versatile materials for next-generation bioelectronic devices.
• Further research into material design and modification is essential for overcoming current challenges.
• Future perspectives focus on optimizing hydrogel systems for advanced bioelectronic technologies.