Wearable and Biodegradable Sensors for Human Health Monitoring

Abstract

Wearable sensor industry is on the rise, because it can achieve real-time monitoring, intervention and prediction functions in the field of personal health management. To date, although remarkable progress has been made and laboratory-based theoretical researches have also been confirmed, there are still only a handful of sensors that have been commercialized or clinically available due to the immaturity of technologies. Here, we make an up-to-date Review of wearable and biodegradable sensors. First, we introduce the basic concepts and transduction mechanisms of four physical sensors based on piezoresistive, capacitive, piezoelectric and triboelectric effects. Then, we survey the latest research advances in terms of wearable and biodegradable sensors, focusing our attention on material option, structure design and application exploration. In particular, the implantable sensors made from biocompatible and biodegradable materials are emphasized, which may become the mainstream research direction of green electronic products. Finally, we debate the current challenges and future trends of wearable and biodegradable sensors.

Keywords: biodegradable; health monitoring; implantable; physical sensors; wearable.