Recent advances in adhesive hydrogels for next-generation bioelectronic interfaces

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Authors: Ikram Ullah, Yuying Song, Chao Wang, Fangqing Wang, Abdul Raouf, Yaru Yu, Sanwei Hao, Changyou Shao, Hailin Cong
Cited by: 3
References: 169

Abstract

The critical demand for seamless tissue-device interfaces necessitates materials overcoming conventional medical electronics limitations in dynamic, wet physiological environments. Adhesive hydrogels emerge as transformative platforms, combining robust tissue adhesion, mechanical compliance, and biocompatibility to enable conformal integration for precision sensing and intervention. This review delineates a mechanistic framework encompassing intermolecular interactions, mechanical interlocking, topological entanglement, contact splitting, and suction forces for engineering Adhesive hydrogel. We critically evaluate natural and synthetic polymer matrices, elucidating their benefits and limitations in regulating adhesion strength, environmental stability, and biological responses. Crucially, we elucidate how this framework governs key performance metrics: motion-immune interfaces for reliable ECG/EMG and biomarker monitoring; fluid-resistant adhesion and spatiotemporal release for effective wound healing; and biomimetic structural cues that direct cell infiltration in neural and cartilage repair. Integration of degradable designs with real-time biosensing fosters closed-loop theragnostic systems. Finally, we outline trajectories toward multifunctional bioelectronic interfaces enabling adaptive therapies in personalized healthcare, highlighting translational challenges in scalability, long-term stability, and clinical adoption critical for advancing personalized healthcare.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials 3D Printing in Biomedical Research Polymer Surface Interaction Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
9
Issue
2
Publication date
4 March 2026
Language
EN