Soft and Stretchable Conductive Polymers for Next‐Generation Wearable Biosensing

ABSTRACT The rapid evolution of wearable electronics has accelerated demand for materials that are simultaneously conductive, flexible, stretchable, and biocompatible. Among these, soft and stretchable conductive polymers, particularly when integrated into hydrogel matrices, have emerged as foundational materials for next‐generation biosensors capable of real‐time, non‐invasive physiological monitoring. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the material innovations, fabrication strategies, and application domains of soft conductive polymers in wearable biosensing platforms. We explore the structural and functional design of conductive polymer‐based hydrogels (CPHGs), elastomers, and hybrid composites, emphasizing their electrical tunability, mechanical robustness, and responsiveness to complex biological environments. Special attention is given to their role in sweat‐based biomarker detection, motion and activity monitoring, optical biosensing, and the development of self‐healing sensor systems. Advanced additive manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing and micro‐patterning, are discussed in the context of enhancing device customization and integration. Furthermore, we examine recent breakthroughs in self‐powered and AI‐integrated biosensor systems that enable autonomous health tracking and personalized medicine. Despite the progress, challenges such as environmental durability, calibration drift, and long‐term biocompatibility remain. This review concludes by identifying critical gaps in current research and outlining future directions aimed at enabling multifunctional, intelligent, and sustainable wearable biosensing technologies. By bridging materials science with bioengineering and digital healthcare, soft conductive polymers are poised to redefine how health is monitored, managed, and personalized in the digital age.

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Publication Details

Journal
Polymer Engineering and Science
Published
2026-01-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.70335
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
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article

Soft and Stretchable Conductive Polymers for Next‐Generation Wearable Biosensing

Helena Moshiri, Farangis Shahi, Hana Afshar, Farimah Kamran
Polymer Engineering and Science
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
article

Soft and Stretchable Conductive Polymers for Next‐Generation Wearable Biosensing

Helena Moshiri, Farangis Shahi, Hana Afshar, Farimah Kamran
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid evolution of wearable electronics has accelerated demand for materials that are simultaneously conductive, flexible, stretchable, and biocompatible. Among these, soft and stretchable conductive polymers, particularly when integrated into hydrogel matrices, have emerged as foundational materials for next‐generation biosensors capable of real‐time, non‐invasive physiological monitoring. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the material innovations, fabrication strategies, and application domains of soft conductive polymers in wearable biosensing platforms. We explore the structural and functional design of conductive polymer‐based hydrogels (CPHGs), elastomers, and hybrid composites, emphasizing their electrical tunability, mechanical robustness, and responsiveness to complex biological environments. Special attention is given to their role in sweat‐based biomarker detection, motion and activity monitoring, optical biosensing, and the development of self‐healing sensor systems. Advanced additive manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing and micro‐patterning, are discussed in the context of enhancing device customization and integration. Furthermore, we examine recent breakthroughs in self‐powered and AI‐integrated biosensor systems that enable autonomous health tracking and personalized medicine. Despite the progress, challenges such as environmental durability, calibration drift, and long‐term biocompatibility remain. This review concludes by identifying critical gaps in current research and outlining future directions aimed at enabling multifunctional, intelligent, and sustainable wearable biosensing technologies. By bridging materials science with bioengineering and digital healthcare, soft conductive polymers are poised to redefine how health is monitored, managed, and personalized in the digital age.

Polymer Engineering and ScienceVol. 66(3)
Amirkabir University of Technology (IR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 98%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
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Soft and Stretchable Conductive Polymers for Next‐Generation Wearable Biosensing — Helena Moshiri, Farangis Shahi, et al. · Polymer Engineering and Science (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS