Bio-hybrid electronic and photonic devices

Bio-hybrid devices, combining electronic and photonic components with cells, tissues, and organs, hold potential for advancing our understanding of biology, physiology, and pathologies and for treating a wide range of conditions and diseases. In this review, I describe the devices, materials, and technologies that enable bio-hybrid devices and provide examples of their utilization at multiple biological scales ranging from the subcellular to whole organs. Finally, I describe the outcomes of a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded workshop envisioning potential applications of these technologies to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Automated summary

Bio-hybrid devices, which combine electronic and photonic components with cells, tissues, and organs, have the potential to advance our understanding of biology, physiology, and pathologies, as well as treat a wide range of conditions and diseases. This review discusses the devices, materials, and technologies that make bio-hybrid devices possible, and provides examples of their application at various biological scales. It also describes the outcomes of a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded workshop that envisions the potential applications of these technologies in improving health outcomes and quality of life.