Nanomaterials and their applications on bio-inspired wearable electronics

Nanotechnology. 2021 Sep 1;32(47). doi: 10.1088/1361-6528/abe6c7.

Abstract

Wearable electronics featuring conformal attachment, sensitive perception and intellectual signal processing have made significant progress in recent years. However, when compared with living organisms, artificial sensory devices showed undeniable bulky shape, poor adaptability, and large energy consumption. To make up for the deficiencies, biological examples provide inspirations of novel designs and practical applications. In the field of biomimetics, nanomaterials from nanoparticles to layered two-dimensional materials are actively involved due to their outstanding physicochemical properties and nanoscale configurability. This review focuses on nanomaterials related to wearable electronics through bioinspired approaches on three different levels, interfacial packaging, sensory structure, and signal processing, which comprehensively guided recent progress of wearable devices in leveraging both nanomaterial superiorities and biorealistic functionalities. In addition, opinions on potential development trend are proposed aiming at implementing bioinspired electronics in multifunctional portable sensors, health monitoring, and intelligent prosthetics.

Keywords: artificial muscle; bionic; hydrophobic coating; nanomaterial; neuromorphic computing; self-healing; wearable devices.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials*
  • Electronics*
  • Humans
  • Nanostructures*
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*