Stretchable and Biodegradable Hydrogel‐Nanomembrane Electrodes for Conformal and Transient Bioelectronics

ABSTRACT Implantable cardiac bioelectronics are essential for continuous monitoring and therapeutic modulation in cardiovascular diseases, yet current platforms—typically constructed from rigid electronic materials—exhibit a substantial mechanical mismatch with the constantly deforming heart. Such permanent, rigid implants often induce tissue irritation and require additional surgeries for device removal. Here, we introduce a stretchable, mechanically soft, and fully biodegradable hydrogel–nanomembrane electrode (SBHNE) designed to adhere conformally to the epicardial surface, thereby enabling stable, high‐fidelity signal acquisition under persistent cardiac motion. The SBHNE integrates three functional components: (i) a tissue‐adhesive hydrogel layer for intimate and stable contact, (ii) a stretchable molybdenum nanomembrane conductor for reliable electrical performance, and (iii) a conductive polymer coating for impedance reduction and stable electrical performance. All components are designed to biodegrade in vivo after a programmed operational period. Leveraging these features, the SBHNE enables reliable epicardial electrophysiological monitoring and effective electrical modulation. When integrated with a wearable pulse generator, it enables sustained and on‐demand cardiac stimulation to terminate ventricular arrhythmias in a rat model. Collectively, these results establish a fully transient, mechanically compliant epicardial interfacing device that advances the prospects of soft, temporary cardiac bioelectronics.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-04-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202532200
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Stretchable and Biodegradable Hydrogel‐Nanomembrane Electrodes for Conformal and Transient Bioelectronics

Hyejeong Kang, Sung‐Hyuk Sunwoo, H.‐J. LEE, Dae‐Hyeong Kim et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
article

Stretchable and Biodegradable Hydrogel‐Nanomembrane Electrodes for Conformal and Transient Bioelectronics

Hyejeong Kang, Sung‐Hyuk Sunwoo, H.‐J. LEE, Dae‐Hyeong Kim, Hyun Su Lee, Chanhui Park, Seonghae Park, Seung‐Pyo Lee, Hoechang Chung
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Implantable cardiac bioelectronics are essential for continuous monitoring and therapeutic modulation in cardiovascular diseases, yet current platforms—typically constructed from rigid electronic materials—exhibit a substantial mechanical mismatch with the constantly deforming heart. Such permanent, rigid implants often induce tissue irritation and require additional surgeries for device removal. Here, we introduce a stretchable, mechanically soft, and fully biodegradable hydrogel–nanomembrane electrode (SBHNE) designed to adhere conformally to the epicardial surface, thereby enabling stable, high‐fidelity signal acquisition under persistent cardiac motion. The SBHNE integrates three functional components: (i) a tissue‐adhesive hydrogel layer for intimate and stable contact, (ii) a stretchable molybdenum nanomembrane conductor for reliable electrical performance, and (iii) a conductive polymer coating for impedance reduction and stable electrical performance. All components are designed to biodegrade in vivo after a programmed operational period. Leveraging these features, the SBHNE enables reliable epicardial electrophysiological monitoring and effective electrical modulation. When integrated with a wearable pulse generator, it enables sustained and on‐demand cardiac stimulation to terminate ventricular arrhythmias in a rat model. Collectively, these results establish a fully transient, mechanically compliant epicardial interfacing device that advances the prospects of soft, temporary cardiac bioelectronics.

Advanced Functional Materials
Seoul National University (KR), Inha University (KR), Seoul National University Hospital (KR), National University (SD), Institute for Basic Science (KR)
Institute for Basic Science
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.