Towards Polymer Composite-Based Transient Electronic Systems

Biocompatible and biodegradable polymer composite systems, featuring electrical and mechanical functionalities, have been studied as a means to enable biointegrated electronics, facilitating the acquisition of diverse valuable data. This involves establishing dependable connections with the pliable, irregular surfaces of human skin and organs to obtain a range of useful information. Previously, biodegradable conductive organic/inorganic materials such as conducting polymers and metal derivatives have been reviewed as a filler for polymer composites; however, there are no reviews about the utilization of conductive, semiconductive, and dielectric composites with various electrical/functional properties as electronic components for biomedical applications. These composites show considerable functions such as biodegradability, compatibility, electrochemical properties, magnetism, and photoluminescence. This review introduces the recent advances in biodegradable electronic devices using conductors, semiconductors, and dielectric-based composites besides their materials, and fabrication methods for monitoring physiological signals, therapeutic systems, energy storage, and drug delivery, as well as substrate and encapsulation materials. Biodegradable electronic systems are gaining attention for implantable biomedical applications, targeting disease treatment and lifespan extension. This review covers advances in biocompatible, biodegradable polymer composites using synthetic and natural polymers with conductive, semiconductive, and insulating fillers. These materials enable devices for monitoring physiological signals, drug delivery, energy storage, and therapeutic systems, emphasizing biodegradability and biocompatibility.image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH