Flexible electronics with dynamic interfaces for biomedical monitoring, stimulation, and characterization

Abstract

Recent developments in the fields of materials science and engineering technology (mechanical, electrical, biomedical) lay the foundation to design flexible bioelectronics with dynamic interfaces, widely used in biomedical/clinical monitoring, stimulation, and characterization. Examples of this technology include body motion and physiological signal monitoring through soft wearable devices, mechanical characterization of biological tissues, skin stimulation using dynamic actuators, and energy harvesting in biomedical implants. Typically, these bioelectronic systems feature thin form factors for enhanced flexibility and soft elastomeric encapsulations that provide skin-compliant mechanics for seamless integration with biological tissues. This review examines the rapid and continuous progress of bioelectronics in the context of design strategies including materials, mechanics, and structure to achieve high performance dynamic interfaces in biomedicine. It concludes with a concise summary and insights into the ongoing opportunities and challenges facing developments of bioelectronics with dynamic interfaces for future applications.