Unconventional Device and Material Approaches for Monolithic Biointegration of Implantable Sensors and Wearable Electronics

Abstract

Implantable biosensors and wearable bioelectronics need to be intimately interfaced with soft human tissues for a high-quality health diagnosis and feedback therapy. Despite the recent developments in these devices, it is essential to further enhance their performance and functionalities in order to facilitate the formation of intimate interfaces between the devices and the human body. This will help minimize the unwanted injuries to target tissues, enhance the efficiency of sensing and therapy, and achieve long-term biocompatibility. In this regard, the physiological and mechanical properties of the target tissues need to be considered carefully when designing the materials and devices to be employed in implantable and wearable electronics. Herein, a discussion of the recent developments in implantable biosensors and wearable electronics, based on unconventional device designs and material approaches, is presented. This review particularly focuses on the design principles of devices and materials that enable an intimate integration of biosensing devices with soft tissues and target organs. In addition, recent developments of electronics employed in stand-alone wearable biomedical systems, such as wearable displays and energy devices, are presented. Moreover, future prospects for emerging approaches that could enable further developments of implantable biosensors and wearable electronics are also discussed.