30 March 2024 | Fahmida Alam, Md Ashfaq Ahmed, Ahmed Hasnain Jalal, Ishrak Siddiquee, Rabeya Zinnat Adury, G M Mehedi Hossain, Nezih Pala
This review article explores the recent advancements, materials, and applications of implantable biodegradable biosensors, along with the challenges they face in clinical deployment. Implantable biosensors, such as glucose sensors, pressure sensors, and cardiac monitors, have revolutionized healthcare by providing real-time monitoring and therapeutic activities. However, the disposal methods of these sensors after usage can be technically challenging and may cause significant complications. Biodegradability offers a solution by allowing the sensors to naturally degrade through biological processes, reducing the need for surgical removal and potential post-operative complications.
The article discusses the importance of biocompatible materials that can coexist harmlessly within the body and the sophisticated biodegradation mechanisms that enable the sensors to decompose naturally. Key materials include polymers like poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and polycaprolactone (PCL), which are flexible, biodegradable, and compatible with soft tissues. Textile-based sensors, incorporating conductive yarns, offer a novel approach to achieving biomechanical compatibility with skin, reducing irritation and device failure.
The review also delves into the biodegradation mechanisms of these biosensors, focusing on surface erosion and bulk degradation. Surface erosion occurs at the outer surface of the implant, while bulk degradation affects the entire implant. The mechanical strength and molecular weight of polymers gradually decrease over time, causing the implant to disintegrate and produce polymer debris.
Additionally, the article examines the sensing mechanisms of biodegradable biosensors, highlighting the state-of-the-art technologies that enable the conversion of biological signals into electrical signals for monitoring and diagnostics. The challenges and future directions in the field are also discussed, including issues such as power supply, data communication, materials, fabrication, body implantation, and long-term performance and calibration.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of implantable biodegradable biosensors, their potential applications, and the ongoing research efforts to overcome the challenges they face.This review article explores the recent advancements, materials, and applications of implantable biodegradable biosensors, along with the challenges they face in clinical deployment. Implantable biosensors, such as glucose sensors, pressure sensors, and cardiac monitors, have revolutionized healthcare by providing real-time monitoring and therapeutic activities. However, the disposal methods of these sensors after usage can be technically challenging and may cause significant complications. Biodegradability offers a solution by allowing the sensors to naturally degrade through biological processes, reducing the need for surgical removal and potential post-operative complications.
The article discusses the importance of biocompatible materials that can coexist harmlessly within the body and the sophisticated biodegradation mechanisms that enable the sensors to decompose naturally. Key materials include polymers like poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and polycaprolactone (PCL), which are flexible, biodegradable, and compatible with soft tissues. Textile-based sensors, incorporating conductive yarns, offer a novel approach to achieving biomechanical compatibility with skin, reducing irritation and device failure.
The review also delves into the biodegradation mechanisms of these biosensors, focusing on surface erosion and bulk degradation. Surface erosion occurs at the outer surface of the implant, while bulk degradation affects the entire implant. The mechanical strength and molecular weight of polymers gradually decrease over time, causing the implant to disintegrate and produce polymer debris.
Additionally, the article examines the sensing mechanisms of biodegradable biosensors, highlighting the state-of-the-art technologies that enable the conversion of biological signals into electrical signals for monitoring and diagnostics. The challenges and future directions in the field are also discussed, including issues such as power supply, data communication, materials, fabrication, body implantation, and long-term performance and calibration.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of implantable biodegradable biosensors, their potential applications, and the ongoing research efforts to overcome the challenges they face.