Interfacial Iontronics in Bioelectronics: From Skin-Attachable to Implantable Devices

Abstract

Bioelectronic devices represent a transformative advancement in medical technology, redefining diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various health conditions. These devices bridge the gap between electronic systems and human physiology by leveraging the electrical dynamics of biological systems, particularly through the control of ion dynamics. Ion dynamics are essential, as they drive the activation and deactivation of ion channels during neuronal communication and therapeutic treatments, thus enhancing device efficacy in clinical settings. However, traditional bioelectronic approaches face challenges such as sensitivity, specificity, and potential tissue damage from continuous voltage application. Iontronics, which integrates ionic and electronic functionalities, emerges as a promising solution to address these issues, employing non-Faradaic processes to prevent charge transfer across interfaces, thereby enhancing safety and performance in bioelectronic applications. This review examines the field of iontronics within bioelectronics, highlighting its crucial role in advancing bioelectronic medicine towards more effective and personalized health monitoring. We explore the latest advancements in iontronics for tactile perception, biochemical and electrophysiological sensing, neural interfaces, and therapeutic treatments. The discussion concludes with future perspectives and challenges in iontronic-based bioelectronic devices, emphasizing the need for continued innovation in iontronic materials to further refine the integration of these technologies within the medical field.