Background. Currently, there is a significant number of technologies and materials in the world that are used to manufacture flexible electronics devices. Therefore, a review of various technologies and materials for the manufacture of flexible sensors, which would not be inferior in terms of sensitivity to their solid-state counterparts, is in demand. In addition, most modern flexible electronics technologies are based on the use of artificial polymers, the production of which pollutes the environment and which need to be disposed of at the end of its service life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find an alternative to artificial polymers, environmentally friendly material.
Objective. The purpose of the paper is to determine design and technological features of manufacturing and application of flexible and biodegradable electronic sensors.
Methods. The article analyses, classifies and compares different technologies and materials for the manufacture of flexible sensors, which would not be inferior to their solid-state counterparts in terms of sensitivity. The technological features of synthesis and the main characteristics of flexible sensors made on the basis of artificial and biodegradable materials were also compared in the paper.
Results. The design and technological features of manufacturing as well as application of flexible electronic sensors in comparison with their solid-state analogues were determined in the paper. Three groups of substrate materials that can be used for the synthesis of flexible sensors have been identified and their performance characteristics analysed. A comparison of different production techniques for flexible electronic sensors in terms of environmental friendliness, cost and manufacturability is carried out.
Conclusions. The most promising biodegradable material, on the surface of which one can create a flexible sensor, is nanocellulose. Different types of printing are the most promising production technique for the manufacture of such devices, because they are cheap and can provide high productivity. Based on the obtained results, it is possible to improve the existing and develop new methods of creating flexible electronics devices that do not require recycling.