Distributed sensor and actuator networks for closed-loop bioelectronic medicine. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhave, Gauri; Chen, Joshua C.; Singer, Amanda; Sharma, Aditi; Robinson, Jacob T.
• Is Part Of: Materials today. Volume 46(2021)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 135
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Materials science -- Periodicals; Metallurgy -- Periodicals; Metal-work -- Periodicals; Biomedical and Dental Materials -- Periodicals; Manufactured Materials -- Periodicals; Metals -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mattod.2020.12.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-7021

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Abstract: Designing implantable bioelectronic systems that continuously monitor physiological functions and simultaneously provide personalized therapeutic solutions for patients remains a persistent challenge across many applications ranging from neural systems to bioelectronic organs. Closed-loop systems typically consist of three functional blocks, namely, sensors, signal processors and actuators. An effective system, that can provide the necessary therapeutics, tailored to individual physiological factors requires a distributed network of sensors and actuators. While significant progress has been made, closed-loop systems still face many challenges before they can truly be considered as long-term solutions for many diseases. In this review, we consider three important criteria where materials play a critical role to enable implantable closed-loop systems: Specificity, Biocompatibility and Connectivity. We look at the progress made in each of these fields with respect to a specific application and outline the challenges in creating bioelectronic technologies for the future.