Researchers from Tsinghua University, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the University of Macau have published a comprehensive review on electroactive materials for bioelectronics and regenerative medicine in Medicine Plus . The article provides a systematic overview of mechanisms, interface engineering strategies, and representative applications of conductive, piezoelectric, triboelectric, thermoelectric, and photoelectric materials. It also proposes an integrative framework for designing future bioelectronic systems.
Electroactive materials can generate, transmit, and modulate electrical signals in biological environments. These materials are essential for constructing flexible biointerfaces, self-powered sensors, and low-power stimulation devices. They have been widely applied in physiological signal monitoring, electrical stimulation therapy, tissue repair, and closed-loop therapeutic systems. However, challenges remain in long-term stability, biocompatibility, and clinical translation.
The review highlights advances in multi-scale bioelectrical interactions and analyzes key challenges such as interface impedance, material-tissue compatibility, device reliability, and system integration. It emphasizes a shift from material performance-driven research to application-driven design, integrating biological needs with material selection, device engineering, and system validation.
Looking ahead, the authors identify emerging directions including artificial intelligence-assisted materials design, advanced manufacturing, and symbiotic bioelectronics. This review aims to provide guidance for the development of intelligent, stable, and clinically relevant bioelectronic systems.
Corresponding authors are Professor Li Zhou (Tsinghua University), Associate Professor Han Ouyang (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences), and Professor Junwen Zhong (University of Macau). Co-first authors are Engui Wang and Xi Cui. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing Natural Science Foundation, Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS grant, Beijing Nova Program grant and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities grant.
Medicine Plus
Literature review