Abstract:
The integration of biological systeM.S. at cellular and systeM.S. level with soft materials
having electronic and sensory capabilities opens up interesting possibilities. Synthetic
polymers have been extensively used for biomedical applications including biosensing,
bio-diagnostics and therapy. For instance, the availability of soft polymer substrates,
which mechanically mimic the in vivo conditions, has helped in rapid advances in the
field of tissue engineering. Further introduction of electronic properties in these
polymeric substrates makes it possible to couple them to electrically active tissues such
as brain, heart and skeletal muscles to create various body-machine interfaces and
implants. The unique combination of mechanical, electronic and optoelectronic
properties of these polymeric systeM.S. opens up new vistas and possibilities and enables
the development of novel bioelectronic interfaces (Figure 1.1).
