Implantable application of polymer-based biosensors

Implantable sensors offer a great opportunity to extract physiological information from inside the body by real-time monitoring. With the demand for personal healthcare and point-of-care treatment, a long-term stable sensor of excellent mechanical and biological compatibility with human organs is urgently required. In contrast to rigid electronic devices using silicon or metallic materials, soft sensors are realized by flexible polymers in a simple way, endowing the implantable sensor with a tissue-mimetic structure. In this article, we systematically review the development of implantable electronic sensors based on polymer materials. The unique properties of polymers are introduced, followed by their applications in implantable device fabrication. Strategies to integrate polymers with implantable sensors, encompassing device interface, geometry, and integration, are also summarized. Furthermore, biosensing applications of polymer-based implantable devices are described, ranging from physical stimulus monitoring to biochemical analysis in vivo. Finally, we envision how advances in polymer materials may facilitate the development of intelligent sensors with broader applications in vivo.