Bio-inspired flexible electronics for smart E-skin

Abstract

“Learning from nature” provides endless inspiration for scientists to invent new materials and devices. Here, we review state-of-the-art technologies in flexible electronics, with a focus on bio-inspired smart skins. This review focuses on the development of E-skin for sensing a variety of parameters such as mechanical loads, temperature, light, and biochemical cues, with a trend of increased integration of multiple functions. It highlights the most recent advances in flexible electronics inspired by animals such as chameleons, squids, and octopi whose bodies have remarkable camouflage, mimicry, or self-healing attributes. Implantable devices, being overlapped with smart E-skin in a broad sense, are included in this review. This review outlines the remaining challenges in flexible electronics and the prospects for future development for biomedical applications. Statement of significanceThis article reviews the state-of-the-art technologies of bio-inspired smart electronic skin (E-skin) developed in a “learning-mimicking-creating” (LMC) cycle. We emphasize the most recent innovations in the development of E-skin for sensing physical changes and biochemical cues, and for integrating multiple sensing modalities. We discuss the achievements in implantable materials, wireless communication, and device design pertaining to implantable flexible electronics. This review will provide prospective insights integrating material, electronics, and mechanical engineering viewpoints to foster new ideas for next-generation smart E-skin.