Skin-Mountable Functional Electronic Materials for Bio-Integrated Devices

Abstract

Skin-mountable electronic materials are being intensively evaluated for use in bio-integrated devices that can mutually interact with the human body. Over the past decade, functional electronic materials inspired by the skin are developed with new functionalities to address the limitations of traditional electronic materials for bio-integrated devices. Herein, the recent progress in skin-mountable functional electronic materials for skin-like electronics is introduced with a focus on five perspectives that entail essential functionalities: stretchability, self-healing ability, biocompatibility, breathability, and biodegradability. All functionalities are advanced with each strategy through rational material designs. The skin-mountable functional materials enable the fabrication of bio-integrated electronic devices, which can lead to new paradigms of electronics combining with the human body. Skin-mountable functional materials for bio-integrated electronics are considered the next form factors of electronic devices. In this perspective article, recent progress in the development of skin-mountable functional materials is discussed with a focus on five essential functionalities: stretchability, self-healing ability, biocompatibility, breathability, and biodegradability. image