Advanccd Functional Matcrials fior Biomcdical and Elcctronic Applications: ™cccnt Progrcss, Challcngcs, and Futurc Pcrspcctivcs

Abstract

Functional materials, whose physical, chemical, or biological properties respond in a controlled way to external stimuli, have become central to modern biomedical engineering and electronics. Advances in nanostructured carbon, two-dimensional (2D) materials, conducting polymers, metal oxides, perovskites, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), stimuli-responsive hydrogels, and bioactive ceramics have enabled devices that were unimaginable a few decades ago, including implantable biosensors, targeted drug-delivery vehicles, flexible skin-like electronics, high-capacity energy storage systems, and neuromorphic circuits. This review summarizes recent progress in the design, synthesis, and structure–property relationships of these materials, and critically discusses their use in biomedical and electronic applications. Particular attention is given to the convergence of the two fields in bioelectronic interfaces, wearable health monitors, and tissue-integrated devices. Major challenges, including biocompatibility and long-term stability, scalable and reproducible manufacturing, environmental impact, regulatory approval, and cost, are examined. Finally, future perspectives are outlined, covering data-driven materials discovery, sustainable and biodegradable materials, multifunctional and self-healing systems, and personalized, intelligent medical devices.