Convergence of biocompatible printed electronics and sensing in wound dressings: a leap forward in sustainable health monitoring

Abstract

The healthcare system is moving away from traditional hospital-centric models towards a more personalised, patient-centric approach driven by the concept called ‘lab on wearables’. The nucleus of this concept is grounded on the translation of biological signals into actionable healing information with the help of soft, conformable and biocompatible sensors. This soft flexible electronic platform development is more leaning towards unconventional electronics fabrication routes like printed electronics over clean room based micro-electronics manufacturing. Printed electronics can harness the potential of stretchable foils, bio-derived functional materials and organic electronics, enabling the development of biodegradable and bioresorbable wound monitoring systems that are conformable with the skin. The review explores the potential of sustainable and biocompatible printed electronics in transducing wound biomarkers into actionable healing insights, enabling timely interventions. This work also provides a roadmap for printed electronics-based wound monitoring and on-demand treatment solutions, offering a glimpse into the future promises of the technology.