Computational Insights Into Smart Bioelectronics in Digital Health Care (2020-2024): Topic Modeling Study

Smart bioelectronics are electronic medical devices that combine hardware and artificial intelligence (AI)-based software. These convergent medical devices analyze bio-signals measured through hardware using AI algorithms and deliver physical stimulation to enhance therapeutic effects.

This study aimed to systematically analyze recent research trends in smart bioelectronics to understand their evolving role in digital health care and to provide evidence-based insights for shaping future research and development strategies.

A total of 92 publications indexed in PubMed between 2020 and 2024 were analyzed. Latent Dirichlet allocation-based topic modeling, optimized using coherence scores, was applied to identify latent research themes.

The results indicate a steady increase in related research over the past 5 years, along with a clear shift in research focus from bio-signal sensing and bioelectronic device materials toward AI-driven analysis and disease-oriented applications, ultimately evolving into intelligent and adaptive bioelectronic therapeutic systems. Three major research topics were identified: bio-signal-based neuromodulation (n=23, 25%), AI-driven neurological disease analysis (n=32, 34.7%), and implantable bioelectronics and biomaterials (n=37, 40.2%).

By mapping the evolving landscape of smart bioelectronics, this study provides valuable insights into their multidisciplinary development and highlights their potential applications in clinical decision support, personalized rehabilitation, and next-generation medical device innovation.