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

초록

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.

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