February 16, 2024 | Sergio J. Peñas-Núñez, David Mecerreyes, and Miryam Criado-Gonzalez*
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of electroactive polymer gels, which are injectable materials with self-healing and tunable biological mimetic features. These gels, formed by noncovalent intermolecular interactions and dynamic covalent bonds, have been developed to bridge the interface between electronic devices and biological fluids and tissues. The article covers the synthesis, characterization, and applications of these gels, including hydrogels made from conducting polymers (PEDOT, PANi, PPy), hybrid networks involving polymers and conductive nanomaterials (graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, metallic nanoparticles), and ionic liquid-integrated gels (iongels) and deep eutectic solvent-integrated gels (eutectogels). These gels have potential applications in tissue engineering, biosensing, and other bioelectronic applications. The review highlights the mechanical, electrical, and biological properties of these gels, their ability to encapsulate cells, and their performance in various biomedical applications, such as wound healing and tissue regeneration.This review article provides a comprehensive overview of electroactive polymer gels, which are injectable materials with self-healing and tunable biological mimetic features. These gels, formed by noncovalent intermolecular interactions and dynamic covalent bonds, have been developed to bridge the interface between electronic devices and biological fluids and tissues. The article covers the synthesis, characterization, and applications of these gels, including hydrogels made from conducting polymers (PEDOT, PANi, PPy), hybrid networks involving polymers and conductive nanomaterials (graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, metallic nanoparticles), and ionic liquid-integrated gels (iongels) and deep eutectic solvent-integrated gels (eutectogels). These gels have potential applications in tissue engineering, biosensing, and other bioelectronic applications. The review highlights the mechanical, electrical, and biological properties of these gels, their ability to encapsulate cells, and their performance in various biomedical applications, such as wound healing and tissue regeneration.