New insights and perspectives into biological materials for flexible electronics

Abstract

Biological materials have robust hierarchical structures capable of specialized functions and the incorporation of natural biologically active components, which have been finely tuned through millions of years of evolution. These highly efficient architectural designs afford remarkable transport and mechanical properties, which render them attractive candidates for flexible electronic sensing technologies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental aspects and applications of biological materials for flexible electronic devices and discusses various classes of biological materials by describing their unique structures and functions. We discuss the effect of the biological activity of biological materials on the improved properties in detail, because this effect overcomes the limited bioavailability and restricted morphology of materials generally encountered in traditional flexible electronic devices. We also summarize various approaches for the design and functionalization of natural materials and their applications in flexible electronic devices for use in biomedical, electron, energy, environmental and optical fields. Finally, we provide new insights and perspectives to further describe trends for future generations of biological materials, which are likely to be critical components (building blocks or elements) in future flexible electronics.

Flexible and transparent capacitive pressure sensor with patterned microstructured composite rubber dielectric for wearable touch keyboard application

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Recent advances in low‐dimensional semiconductor nanomaterials and their applications in high‐performance photodetectors

“…Moreover, the study of flexible electronics is no longer limited to a certain discipline, but has evolved into a new field of research that includes the integration of multiple disciplines such as electronics, materials science, biology, and systems engineering. The rapid development of materials science, micro/nano‐electronics, and information technology has brought opportunities for the practical application of flexible electronic technology . For example, research on smart wearable sensing system has evolved from film to reality in recent decades .…”

Recent progress on biomass‐derived ecomaterials toward advanced rechargeable lithium batteries

“…On the other hand, raw biomass usually possesses intrinsic specific porous structures and thus can be used as a natural template to orient the fabrication of carbon materials with desired functionalities and structures . Additionally, the features of biomass materials in green and circular economy, due to their superiorities of low‐cost, renewability, biodegradability, and environmental benefits, can also accord well with the sustainable development path of coordinating nature, economy, and society …”