Hydrogel-Based Bioelectronics

Abstract

Hydrogel-based bioelectronics represent a groundbreaking advancement in biomedical engineering, merging the biocompatibility of hydrogels with the functional capabilities of electronic devices. These materials offer superior flexibility, conductivity, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for applications in biosensors, neural interfaces, cardiac monitoring, and drug delivery systems. This chapter explores the fundamental properties of hydrogels, highlighting their advantages over traditional bioelectronic materials. Innovations in soft robotics and prosthetics also leverage hydrogel properties to improve artificial muscle function and sensory feedback. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly regarding material stability and long-term biocompatibility. Addressing these concerns through scalable manufacturing and interdisciplinary research will be crucial for use in clinical applications. Future perspectives suggest the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance bioelectronic performance for neural and cardiac applications.