Graphene-based conductive hydrogels show promise for implantable bioelectrodes

Implantable bioelectrodes are electronic devices that can monitor or stimulate biological activity by transmitting signals to and from living biological systems. Such devices can be fabricated using various materials and techniques, and selection of the right material for performance and biocompatibility is crucial. To date, conventional metal-based bioelectrodes are associated with painful incision, tissue inflammation, inefficient signal transduction, and uncontrolled stability in living biological systems.

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Conductible hydrogels have gained traction due to their flexibility, compatibility, and excellent interaction ability, but the absence of injectability and degradability has limited their convenience of use and performance in biological systems.

Now, a team led by Professor Jae Young Lee from the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) has developed graphene-based injectable conductive hydrogels (ICHs) that overcome these challenges. The team’s findings are detailed in Small.

In a statement, Prof Lee said: “Traditional implantable electrodes frequently cause several problems, such as large incision for implantation and uncontrolled stability in the body. In contrast, conductive hydrogel materials allow minimally invasive delivery and control over the bioelectrode’s functional in vivo lifespan and are thus highly desired.”