Recent advances in implantable sensors and electronics using printable materials for advanced healthcare.

This review article focuses on the recent printing technological progress in healthcare, underscoring the significant potential of implantable devices across diverse applications. Printing technologies have widespread use in developing health monitoring devices, diagnostic systems, and surgical devices. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in fabricating low-profile implantable devices, driven by advancements in printing technologies and nanomaterials. The importance of implantable biosensors and bioelectronics is highlighted, specifically exploring printing tools using bio-printable inks for practical applications, including a detailed examination of fabrication processes and essential parameters. This review also justifies the need for mechanical and electrical compatibility between bioelectronics and biological tissues. In addition to technological aspects, this article delves into the importance of appropriate packaging methods to enhance implantable devices' performance, compatibility, and longevity, which are made possible by integrating cutting-edge printing technology. Collectively, we aim to shed light on the holistic landscape of implantable biosensors and bioelectronics, showcasing their evolving role in advancing healthcare through innovative printing technologies.

Flexible Sensory Systems: Structural Approaches.

Biology is characterized by smooth, elastic, and nonplanar surfaces; as a consequence, soft electronics that enable interfacing with nonplanar surfaces allow applications that could not be achieved with the rigid and integrated circuits that exist today. Here, we review the latest examples of technologies and methods that can replace elasticity through a structural approach; these approaches can modify mechanical properties, thereby improving performance, while maintaining the existing material integrity. Furthermore, an overview of the recent progress in wave/wrinkle, stretchable interconnect, origami/kirigami, crack, nano/micro, and textile structures is provided. Finally, potential applications and expected developments in soft electronics are discussed.

Focused Patterning of Electrospun Nanofibers Using a Dielectric Guide Structure.

The patterning of electrospun fibers is a key technology applicable to various fields. This study reports a novel focused patterning method for electrospun nanofibers that uses a cylindrical dielectric guide. The finite elements method (FEM) was used to analyze the electric field focusing phenomenon and ground its explanation in established theory. The horizontal and vertical electric field strengths in the simulation are shown to be key factors in determining the spatial distribution of nanofibers. The experimental results demonstrate a relationship between the size of the cylindrical dielectric guide and that of the electrospun area accumulated in the collector. By concentrating the electric field, we were able to fabricate a pattern of less than 6 mm. The demonstration of continuous line and square patterning shows that the electrospun area can be well controlled. This novel patterning method can be used in a variety of applications, such as sensors, biomedical devices, batteries, and composites.