Biodegradable Materials for Sustainable Health Monitoring Devices

Abstract

The recent advent of biodegradable materials has offered huge opportunity to transform healthcare technologies by enabling sensors that degrade naturally after use. The implantable electronic systems made from such materials eliminate the need for extraction or reoperation, minimize chronic inflammatory responses, and hence offer attractive propositions for future biomedical technology. The eco-friendly sensor systems developed from degradable materials could also help mitigate some of the major environmental issues by reducing the volume of electronic or medical waste produced and, in turn, the carbon footprint. With this background, herein we present a comprehensive overview of the structural and functional biodegradable materials that have been used for various biodegradable or bioresorbable electronic devices. The discussion focuses on the dissolution rates and degradation mechanisms of materials such as natural and synthetic polymers, organic or inorganic semiconductors, and hydrolyzable metals. The recent trend and examples of biodegradable or bioresorbable materials-based sensors for body monitoring, diagnostic, and medical therapeutic applications are also presented. Lastly, key technological challenges are discussed for clinical application of biodegradable sensors, particularly for implantable devices with wireless data and power transfer. Promising perspectives for the advancement of future generation of biodegradable sensor systems are also presented.

Energy Autonomous Sweat‐Based Wearable Systems

“…So, when designing the sweat monitoring sensors, energy generators and energy storage, the consideration of sustainable and eco‐friendly materials will be real advantage for disposable devices. [ 73,228–230 ]…”

“…The surge in the use of wearable technologies and the simultaneous global drive toward zero waste, sustainable information and communications technologies, and electrical waste recycling, require that future energy needs be met with sustainable materials. [ 73–75 ] In the case of wearables, there are additional requirements of biocompatibility, and novel form factors that allow wearability (e.g., stretchability, flexibility, washability). Many of the current energy devices use toxic materials and electrolytes, which require attention as the safety of individuals wearing these devices is paramount.…”

A Composite Microfiber for Biodegradable Stretchable Electronics

“…Biodegradable and stretchable electronics impart unique features to on-body or in-body bio-integrated systems [ 12 , 13 ]. For real-time monitoring of parameters such as pressure, strain, pH, oxygen saturation, and temperature, the transient electronics would improve the acquisition capability of time-limited information about post-surgical infections, tissue healings, and personalized treatments [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Biodegradable and stretchable electronic devices are anticipated for dynamic and short-term wearable health monitoring with the smallest environmental footprint.…”

“…The elasticity of PGS could allow elimination of the mismatch between the dynamic and soft tissues and mechanically stiff/rigid electronics. PGS is a body-compatible, ecofriendly, and biodegradable elastomer that can withstand the strain of ~20%, which makes it a potential candidate to be used in the stretchable and on-body wearable electronic device [ 15 ]. Initially, it was designed for soft tissue engineering due to its excellent recovery from deformation [ 37 ].…”

Stretchable Systems

“…Stretchable systems are required for next-generation functional electronics in applications such as wearable systems, epidermal electronics, soft robotics and electronic skins (e-skins), among others, to allow greater manoeuvrability or to improve user comfort [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Stretchable systems are required to achieve conformal contact to curvilinear surfaces for real-time monitoring of human health and other environmental updates useful for various applications in healthcare, the military, human-machine interaction, human motion detection and energy harvesting [14][15][16][17]. Such applications call for conformable contact with curved surfaces along with a certain degree of stretching and mechanical deformation.…”