essential characteristic of this field of knowledge. Examples of this characteristic are new

biomaterials necessary for the operation of some electronic transducers [5]. Biomolecules

and ions constitute the communication mechanism within biological systems at the intra-

and inter-cellular level; this mechanism is the basis of bioelectronics; it opens possibilities

for lifesaving future therapeutic applications and integrates other types of applications,

including those envisioned by synthetic biology [6]. Thus, this discipline provides dif­

ferent alternatives; some of them are already feasible while others have promising

technological development potential. Plastic bioelectronics stands out among these de­

velopments: it combines polymers with the principles of soft organic electronics to pro­

duce applications or materials that allow for adequate interfaces to achieve efficient

implementation within biological systems. [7].

Other relevant research includes bio-inspired adhesive architectures used in the health

sector on human body surfaces [8]; self-adhesive bioelectronics that can use hydrogels to

enhance the use of implants and wearable devices [9]; implantable bioelectronics, an

emerging and widely useful biomedical field whose applications could be used in diag­

nostic tasks and therapeutic procedures [10]; and miniaturized devices, whose adequate

operation will require new power storage and supply technologies such as wireless transfer

to increase their useful life with compact designs [11]. Although bioelectronics has already

produced important advances, its challenges ahead are enormous. Therefore, supporting

science and technology is an essential activity, as well as developing mechanisms to pro­

mote innovation in this sector.

7.2 Scientific and Technological Advances in Bioelectronics

Concerning living tissue, bioelectronics relies on a signal transduction mechanism that,

via different devices, creates an interface that allows for the measurement and regulation

of different biological functions to improve health and interventions against diseases [12].

Bioelectronic interfaces can be used on the skin or inside the organism [13]. An attractive

feature of organic electronic materials is their ability to conduct electronic and ionic

signals, which allows for adequate processing. On the other hand, organic electronic

polymers based on ad-hoc designs provide opportunities for specific answers regarding

the chemical and physical properties necessary for creating bioelectronic systems and

developing devices that combine mouldability, flexibility, and elasticity with stable and

biocompatible surface chemistry [14].

An interesting case is conjugated polymers, which can play the role of bridges for

multiple and potential applications combining biology and electronics thanks to the

versatile nature of their electronic and ionic conductivity profiles [15]. However, these

types of polymers are limited in terms of biodegradability, and for long-term use, very

few studies have focused on their biocompatibility, which has delayed their adoption and

the development of clinical applications [16]. Graphene is another suitable material for

bionic applications due to its physical and chemical properties and characteristics, ido­

neous for constructing bioelectronic platforms [17,18]. For its part, ionic and electronic

(or mixed) transport offers valuable and feasible possibilities for organic bioelectronics,

and its uses can already be observed in applications such as electrolyte-based organic

electrochemical transistor activation [19,20]. These transistors can be used to detect ions,

hormones, and even pathogens, and they are idoneous for in-vivo applications capable of

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