Next-Generation Piezoelectric Materials in Wearable and Implantable Devices for Continuous Physiological Monitoring

Abstract

The rapid expansion of miniature biomedical devices has attracted considerable global attention, driven by the growing demand for advanced healthcare solutions. Despite significant progress in materials, fabrication techniques, and device architectures that have propelled the development of wearable and implantable technologies, a critical challenge remains: mimicking the structure and function of human skin. This challenge contrasts advancements in power efficiency, design miniaturization, precision, and device integration. Recent breakthroughs in manufacturing techniques and the development of high-performance organic and inorganic piezoelectric materials with tunable mechanical properties offer transformative potential to overcome these limitations. This review systematically examines the evolution of piezoelectric materials for health monitoring applications, focusing on their historical development, underlying mechanisms, fabrication strategies, and characterization techniques. We critically evaluate their integration into wearable and implantable systems, emphasizing their potential to address power autonomy, device adaptability, and sensing accuracy issues. Additionally, the article highlights emerging interdisciplinary research frontiers in bioengineering, highlighting pioneering contributions from global research teams. By synthesizing key advancements and identifying unresolved challenges, this review aims to provide a comprehensive guide for future innovations in smart biomedical devices, fostering collaborative efforts across the materials science, electronics, and healthcare fields.