Recent Advances in Natural Functional Biopolymers and Their Applications of Electronic Skins and Flexible Strain Sensors

In order to replace nonrenewable resources and decrease electronic waste disposal, there is a rapidly rising demand for the utilization of reproducible and degradable biopolymers in flexible electronics. Natural biopolymers have many remarkable characteristics, including light weight, excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, low cost, etc. Thanks to these superior merits, natural functional biopolymers can be designed and optimized for the development of high-performance flexible electronic devices. Herein, we provide an insightful overview of the unique structures, properties and applications of biopolymers for electronic skins (e-skins) and flexible strain sensors. The relationships between properties and sensing performances of biopolymers-based sensors are also investigated. The functional design strategies and fabrication technologies for biopolymers-based flexible sensors are proposed. Furthermore, the research progresses of biopolymers-based sensors with various functions are described in detail. Finally, we provide some useful viewpoints and future prospects of developing biopolymers-based flexible sensors.

Automated summary

There is a growing demand for the use of renewable and degradable biopolymers in flexible electronics to replace nonrenewable resources and reduce electronic waste disposal. Natural biopolymers possess remarkable characteristics such as lightweight, excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and low cost, making them ideal for high-performance flexible electronic devices. Research focuses on the unique structures, properties, and applications of biopolymers in electronic skins and flexible sensors, as well as the development of functional design strategies and fabrication technologies.