journal article·2026-04-24

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

Seonghae Park, Hyunjin Lee, Hoechang Chung, Hyejeong Kang, Hyun Su Lee, Chanhui Park, Seung‐Pyo Lee, Sung‐Hyuk Sunwoo, Dae‐Hyeong Kim

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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.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine · Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

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Affiliations

Center for Nanoparticle Research Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Seoul Republic of Korea

School of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Institute of Chemical Processes Seoul National University Seoul Republic of Korea

Division of Cardiology Department of Internal Medicine Seoul National University Hospital Seoul Republic of Korea

Department of Internal Medicine Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea

Department of Chemical Engineering Inha University Incheon Republic of Korea

Funding

Institute for Basic Science

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