Recent Progress of Biomaterial-Based Hydrogels for Wearable and Implantable Bioelectronics.

Abstract

Bioelectronics for wearable and implantable biomedical devices has attracted significant attention due to its potential for continuous health monitoring, early disease diagnosis, and real-time therapeutic interventions. Among the various materials explored for bioelectronic applications, hydrogels derived from natural biopolymers have emerged as highly promising candidates, owing to their inherent biocompatibility, mechanical compliance akin to biological tissues, and tunable structural properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the design and application of protein-based hydrogels, including gelatin, collagen, silk fibroin, and gluten, as well as carbohydrate-based hydrogels such as chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and starch. Particular emphasis is placed on elucidating their intrinsic material characteristics, modification strategies to improve electrical and mechanical performance, and their applicability for bioelectronic interfaces. The review further explores their diverse applications in physiological and biochemical signal sensing, bioelectric signal recording, and electrical stimulation. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives are discussed to guide the ongoing innovation of hydrogel-based systems for next-generation bioelectronic technologies.