Soft Optical Fibers for Biomedical and Wearable Technologies: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Abstract Biomedical and wearable technologies are revolutionizing healthcare by enabling continuous physiological monitoring, early disease detection, and personalized treatment. Optical fiber technology emerges to play a crucial role in these advancements, offering high‐resolution sensing, precise photomedicine, and neuromodulation; while, being immune to electromagnetic interference. However, conventional silica‐based optical fibers are brittle and mechanically incompatible with soft tissues, limiting their integration into wearable and implantable systems. To address these challenges, soft optical fibers made from plastics, organic crystals, elastomers, and hydrogels are developed. These fibers provide mechanical compliance comparable to biological tissues; while, maintaining robust optical functionality. Their flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility allow for seamless bio‐integration, reducing tissue stress and enhancing long‐term stability. By bridging the gap between optical technology and bio‐interfacing, soft optical fibers are driving innovations in precision medicine, wearable sensing, and next‐generation bio‐optoelectronic systems, paving the way for more adaptable and patient‐friendly healthcare solutions.