Search Results (129)

Printed electronics have emerged as a versatile manufacturing platform for next-generation biosensors, enabling on-demand and low-cost fabrication of functional devices on flexible, stretchable, and unconventional substrates. One major challenge in this field lies in the sintering of printed features, as conventional high-temperature processing is incompatible with polymeric substrates and thermally sensitive biological components. Low-temperature sintering inks, typically processed below 200 °C or even at room temperature, have become a critical enabling technology for bio-integrated electronics. This review provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art and key challenges associated with low-temperature sintering inks for printed bioelectronics. We discuss inks based on metal nanoparticles, metal–organic decomposition precursors, metal oxides, chalcogenides, and hybrid material systems. The emphasis is on how ink chemistry, ligand selection, and precursor structure govern rheology, stability, and sintering behavior. In addition, key low-temperature sintering and curing strategies, including thermal, photonic, laser, plasma, microwave, and chemical sintering, are compared in terms of energy delivery, densification mechanisms, and substrate compatibility. Finally, we outline emerging directions towards low temperature and room-temperature sintering inks, and sustainable biobased ink formulations, and discuss their applications for wearable, implantable, and soft biosensing platforms. Full article

Effective Parkinson’s disease (PD) management is hindered by the intermittent nature of clinical snapshots and the discomfort of rigid monitoring hardware. This review critically evaluates the synergy between flexible bioelectronics and artificial intelligence (AI) for continuous remote monitoring. Our analysis reveals that while material innovations have achieved milligram-level sensitivity, a significant ‘translational gap’ persists due to limited validation in real-world environments and small cohort sizes. We conclude that multimodal fusion architectures are essential for accurately mapping digital biomarkers to clinical gold standards such as MDS-UPDRS. By leveraging edge AI for privacy and closed-loop feedback for intervention, this integration facilitates the transition from reactive clinical visits to proactive, personalized digital home-care ecosystems. Full article

Flexible piezoelectric materials demonstrate broad application potential in wearable health monitoring, human–machine interaction, and biosensing. However, the piezoelectric response of pure PVDF-TrFE is limited and insufficient to meet the requirements for highly sensitive sensing. In this study, ZnO/PVDF-TrFE composite films with varying ZnO doping contents (3–11 wt%) were fabricated and systematically characterized in terms of their structural, thermal, and electrical properties. The results indicate that ZnO significantly promotes the formation of the polar β-phase in PVDF-TrFE, with the maximum β-phase content (F_β = 24.76%) and optimal piezoelectric performance achieved at 9 wt% ZnO doping. Devices based on this optimal composition exhibited stable ultrasonic transmission and reception capabilities under high-frequency pulse excitation, enabling sensitive detection of minor static pressure variations (e.g., contact pressure) through changes in ultrasonic echo signals, thereby realizing wearable conformity monitoring. Moreover, a sensor designed with a three-channel flexible substrate successfully captured human wrist pulse signals with high accuracy, demonstrating the practical utility and reliability of the device in flexible bio-electronic sensing applications. Full article

Flexible electrode materials with tailored electrical and mechanical properties are essential for reliable electrocardiographic (ECG) sensing. In this work, p-toluenesulfonic-acid-doped polypyrrole (PPy–TSA) films were modified using polymeric and inorganic fillers, as well as their combinations (polyethylene glycol, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and zeolite), to tune their functional performance. The reference PPy–TSA film exhibits typical morphological and chemical characteristics of doped polypyrrole and serves as a reliable baseline for comparison. All composite films retain electrical conductivity within the range required for ECG applications while showing improved mechanical compliance (i.e., enhanced ability to conform to the skin and sustain deformation). Based on the optimized balance between electrical and mechanical properties, flexible ECG electrodes were fabricated using the TSA-doped PPy-based composite film. ECG recordings obtained with the several proposed electrodes show good agreement with those acquired using a commercial ECG electrode, demonstrating the potential of PPy-based composite films for flexible bioelectronic sensing applications. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable and distributed energy solutions has driven increasing interest in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as platforms for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. Biowaste-based triboelectric nanogenerators (BW-TENGs) represent an attractive strategy by coupling renewable energy generation with waste valorization under the principles of the circular bioeconomy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of BW-TENGs, encompassing fundamental triboelectric mechanisms, material categories, processing and surface-engineering strategies, device architectures, and performance evaluation metrics. A broad spectrum of biowaste resources—including agricultural residues, food and marine waste, medical plastics, pharmaceutical waste, and plant biomass—is critically assessed in terms of physicochemical properties, triboelectric behavior, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and scalability. Recent advances demonstrate that BW-TENGs can achieve electrical outputs comparable to conventional synthetic polymer TENGs while offering additional advantages such as environmental sustainability, mechanical compliance, and multifunctionality. Key application areas, including environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, wearable and implantable bioelectronics, IoT networks, and waste management systems, are highlighted. The review also discusses major challenges limiting large-scale deployment, such as material heterogeneity, environmental stability, durability, and lack of standardization, and outlines emerging solutions involving material engineering, hybrid energy-harvesting architectures, artificial intelligence-assisted optimization, and life cycle assessment frameworks. Full article

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation techniques (TENS) are rapidly gaining attention for their potential in various clinical applications. One such technique is transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), and it involves delivering nerve stimulation through the skin of the external ear. However, taVNS relies on electrodes that must conform to the complex anatomy of the ear while maintaining stable electrical performance. Conventional taVNS electrodes, typically rigid metal or adhesive pads, are uncomfortable, difficult to position, prone to drying, and costly to produce. Here, we present and evaluate two complementary fabrication approaches for soft dry electrodes suitable for taVNS, which are compliant with curved anatomical features and can be operated without gel. The first employs wet spinning of a conductive elastomer into fibers, while the second extends this method to create hollow cylindrical geometries. The resulting spongy polymer composite electrodes exhibit tunable geometry, high conductivity, mechanical resilience under strain and compression, and low material impedance confirmed through bench and human testing, even under dry conditions. These properties are critical for in-ear and broader transcutaneous stimulation applications, highlighting the potential of these fabrication methods for next-generation soft bioelectronic interfaces. Full article

Printed electronics (PE) have emerged as a rapidly growing technology owing to their potential for low-cost fabrication, flexibility, and scalable device manufacturing. The dependence on fossil-based components raises environmental concerns, leading the scientific community toward sustainable solutions, aiming to reduce the accumulation of electronic waste (e-waste) in the environment and the emission of toxic gases, as well as to offer a circular solution in the sector. This review presents an in-depth overview of biobased polymeric materials in printed and organic (bio-)electronics. Firstly, the principal printing techniques are presented in detail. The review proceeds by outlining the various biobased synthetic and natural polymers, along with their blends, that are employed in the fabrication of biobased substrates for printed devices. Finally, the review emphasizes the existing challenges and constraints in the field of PE, along with the promising opportunities for its future advancement. Full article

Regenerative medicine is increasingly leveraging the synergies between bioinspired conductive biomaterials and 3D/4D bioprinting to replicate the native electroactive and hierarchical microenvironments essential for functional tissue restoration. However, a critical gap remains in the intelligent integration of these technologies to achieve dynamic, responsive tissue regeneration. This review introduces a “bioinspired material–printing–function” triad framework to systematically synthesize recent advances in: (1) tunable conductive materials (polymers, carbon-based systems, metals, MXenes) designed to mimic the electrophysiological properties of native tissues; (2) advanced 3D/4D printing technologies (vat photopolymerization, extrusion, inkjet, and emerging modalities) enabling the fabrication of biomimetic architectures; and (3) functional applications in neural, cardiac, and musculoskeletal tissue engineering. We highlight how bioinspired conductive scaffolds enhance electrophysiological behaviors—emulating natural processes such as promoting axon regeneration cardiomyocyte synchronization, and osteogenic mineralization. Crucially, we identify multi-material 4D bioprinting as a transformative bioinspired approach to overcome conductivity–degradation trade-offs and enable shape-adaptive, smart scaffolds that dynamically respond to physiological cues, mirroring the adaptive nature of living tissues. This work provides the first roadmap toward intelligent electroactive regeneration, shifting the paradigm from static implants to dynamic, biomimetic bioelectronic microenvironments. Future translation will require leveraging AI-driven bioinspired design and organ-on-a-chip validation to address challenges in vascularization, biosafety, and clinical scalability. Full article

Conductive hydrogels have gained considerable interest in the biomedical field because they provide a soft, hydrated, and electrically active microenvironment that closely resembles native tissue. Their unique combination of electrical conductivity and biocompatibility enables monitoring and modulation of biological activities. With the rapid development of conductive hydrogel technologies in recent years, a comprehensive overview is needed to clarify their biological functions and the latest biomedical applications. This review first summarizes the fundamental design strategies, fabrication methods, and conductive mechanisms of conductive hydrogels. We then highlight their applications in wearable device, implanted bioelectronics, wound healing, neural regeneration and cell regulation, accompanied by discussions of the underlying biological and electroactive mechanisms. Potential challenges and future directions, including strategies to optimize fabrication methods, balance key material properties, and tailor conductive hydrogels for diverse biomedical applications, are also highlighted. Finally, we discuss the existing limitations and future perspectives of the biomedical applications of conductive hydrogels. We hope that this article may provide some useful insights to support their further development and potential biomedical applications. Full article

Recent studies show that titanium (Ti)-based alloys combine established mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility with emerging electrical and electrochemical properties relevant to bioelectronics. The main goal of the present manuscript is to give a wide-ranging overview on the use of Ti-alloys in electronics and biomedicine, focusing on a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of the existing literature to identify gaps and future directions. Concurrently, the identification of possible correlations between the effects of the manufacturing process, alloying elements, and other degrees of freedom influencing the material characteristics are put in evidence, aiming to establish a global view on efficient interdisciplinary efforts to realize high-added-value smart devices useful in the field of biomedicine, such as, for example, implantable apparatuses. This review mostly summarizes advances in surface modification approaches—including anodization, conductive coatings, and nanostructuring that improve conductivity while maintaining biological compatibility. Trends in applications demonstrate how these alloys support smart implants, biosensors, and neural interfaces by enabling reliable signal transmission and long-term integration with tissue. Key challenges remain in balancing electrical performance with biological response and in scaling laboratory modifications for clinical use. Perspectives for future work include optimizing alloy composition, refining surface treatments, and developing multifunctional designs that integrate mechanical, biological, and electronic requirements. Together, these directions highlight the potential of titanium alloys to serve as foundational materials for next-generation bioelectronic medical technologies. Full article

Tissue engineering is entering a new era, one defined not by passive scaffolds but by smart, adaptive biomaterials that can sense, think, and respond to their surroundings. These next-generation materials go beyond simply providing structure; they interact with cells and tissues in real time. Recent advances in mechanically responsive hydrogels and dynamic crosslinking have demonstrated how materials can adjust their stiffness, repair themselves, and transmit mechanical cues that directly influence cell behavior and tissue growth. Meanwhile, in vivo studies are demonstrating how engineered materials can harness the body’s own mechanical forces to activate natural repair programs without relying on growth factors or additional ligands, paving the way for minimally invasive, force-based therapies. The emergence of electroactive and conductive biomaterials has further expanded these capabilities, enabling two-way electrical communication with excitable tissues such as the heart and nerves, supporting more coordinated and mature tissue growth. Meanwhile, programmable bioinks and advanced bioprinting technologies now allow for precise spatial patterning of multiple materials and living cells. These printed constructs can adapt and regenerate after implantation, combining architectural stability with flexibility to respond to biological changes. This review brings together these cross-cutting advances, dynamic chemical design, mechanobiology-guided engineering, bioelectronic integration, and precision bio-fabrication to provide a comprehensive view of the path forward in this field. We discuss key challenges, including scalability, safety compliance, and real-time sensing validation, alongside emerging opportunities such as in situ stimulation, personalized electromechanical sites, and closed loop “living” implants. Taken together, these adaptive biomaterials represent a transformative step toward information-rich, self-aware scaffolds capable of guiding regeneration in patient-specific pathways, blurring the boundary between living tissue and engineered material. Full article

Multi-acceptor and all-acceptor polymers solve the fundamental challenge of achieving unipolar electron transport without compromising stability in n-type polymer field-effect transistors. By systematically replacing electron-rich donors with acceptor units, these architectures push LUMO levels below −4.0 eV and HOMO levels below −5.7 eV. Consequently, electron mobilities exceeding 7 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, on/off ratios approaching 10⁷, and months-long ambient operation can be achieved. This review connects the molecular architecture to device function. We assert that short-range π-aggregation matters more than crystallinity—tight π-stacking over 5–10 molecules drives transport in rigid backbones. Device optimization through interface engineering (e.g., amine-functionalized self-assembled monolayers reduce the threshold voltages to 1–5 V), contact resistance minimization, and controlled processing transform the intrinsic material potential into working transistors. Current challenges, such as balancing the operating voltage against stability, scaling synthetic yields, and reducing contact resistance, define near-term research directions toward complementary circuits, thermoelectrics, and bioelectronics. Full article

Flexible microscale neural interfaces are advancing current strategies for recording and modulating electrical activity in the brain and spinal cord. The aim of this review is to colligate recent progress in thin-film micro-electrocorticography (μECoG) systems and establish a framework for their translation toward spinal bioelectronic implants. We first outline substrate and electrode material design, ranging from polymeric and hydrogel-based materials to nanostructured conductive materials that enable high-fidelity recording on mechanically compliant platforms. We then summarize structural design rules for μECoG arrays, including electrode size, pitch, and channel scaling, and relate these to data-driven μECoG applications in brain–computer interfaces and closed-loop neuromodulation. Bidirectional μECoG architectures for simultaneous stimulation and recording are examined, with emphasis on safe charge injection, electrochemical and thermal limits, and state-of-the-art hardware and algorithmic strategies for stimulation-artifact suppression. Building upon these cortical technologies, we briefly describe adaptation to spinal interfaces, where anatomical constraints demand optimized mechanical properties. Finally, we discuss the convergence of flexible bioelectronics, wireless power and telemetry, and embedded AI decoding as a path toward autonomous, clinically translatable μECoG and spinal neuroprosthetic systems. Ultimately, by synthesizing these multidisciplinary advances, this review provides a strategic roadmap for overcoming current translational barriers and realizing the full clinical potential of soft bioelectronics. Full article

In recent years, polymer-mediated signal amplification has drawn wide attention in bioelectronic sensing. With the rapid progress of biosensing and flexible electronics, polymers with excellent electron–ion transport properties, tunable molecular structures, and good biocompatibility have become essential materials for enhancing detection sensitivity and interfacial stability. However, current sensing systems still face challenges such as signal attenuation, surface fouling, and multi-component interference in complex biological environments, limiting their use in medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring. This review summarizes the progress of conductive polymers, molecularly imprinted polymers, hydrogels, and composite polymers in medical diagnosis, food safety, and environmental monitoring, focusing on their signal amplification mechanisms and structural optimization strategies in electronic transport regulation, molecular recognition enhancement, and antifouling interface design. Overall, polymers improve detection performance through interfacial electronic reconstruction and multidimensional synergistic amplification, offering new ideas for developing highly sensitive, stable, and intelligent biosensors. In the future, polymer-based amplification systems are expected to expand in multi-parameter integrated detection, long-term wearable monitoring, and in situ analysis of complex samples, providing new approaches to precision medicine and sustainable environmental health monitoring. Full article

One-dimensional (1D) nanowires represent a critical class of nanomaterials with extensive applications in biosensing, biomedicine, bioelectronics, and energy harvesting. In materials science, accurately extracting their morphological and structural features is essential for effective image segmentation. However, 1D nanowires frequently appear in dispersed or entangled configurations, often with blurred backgrounds and indistinct boundaries, which significantly complicates the segmentation process. Traditional threshold-based methods struggle to segment these structurally complex nanowires with high precision. To address this challenge, we propose a wavelet-based Bilateral Segmentation Network named WaveBiSeNet, to which a Dual Wavelet Convolution Module (DWCM) and a Flexible Upsampling Module (FUM) are introduced to enhance feature representation and improve segmentation accuracy. In this study, we benchmarked WaveBiSeNet against ten segmentation models on a peptide nanowire image dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that WaveBiSeNet achieves, mIoU of 77.59%, an accuracy of 89.95%, an F1 score of 87.22%, and a Kappa coefficient of 74.13%, respectively. Compared to other advanced models, our proposed model achieves better segmentation performance. These findings demonstrate that WaveBiSeNet is an end-to-end deep segmentation network capable of accurately analyzing complex 1D nanowire structures. Full article