Recent Advances in Bioresorbable Biomedical Applications: From Materials to Devices

Abstract

Wearable and implantable devices provide users with continuous monitoring and treatment, and bioresorbable features can facilitate the use of temporary biomedical devicesand reduce electronic wastes (e-wastes). Bioresorbable metals and polymers offer multiple benefits, such as high conductivity and mechanical support, for skin-interfaced and implantable biomedical devices in versatile biomedical applications. These materials dissolve naturally after their targeted lifetime, avoiding complications arising from retrieval surgeries and preventing e-waste accumulation. This review summarizes recent advances in both bioresorbable materials and devices, highlighting various polymers, semiconductors, and metal options along with their dissolution processes. The following contents introduce the current developments in bioresorbable skin-interfaced and implantable systems including electrostimulation (ES), energy harvesting, sensor, and transistor systems. A concluding section discusses current challenges and future research opportunities in this field.