Bioelectronics
Bioelectronics is a multidisciplinary field that combines biology and electronics engineering to create devices capable of monitoring or controlling biological processes. It involves integrating electronic components, such as sensors and circuits, with biological systems, such as cells and tissues.
Common bioelectronic devices include biomedical sensors, energy storage devices and harvesters, implantable devices, and soft robotics [1]. These technologies are utilized in monitoring glucose level for medical diagnostics, in therapeutic devices for drug delivery, and in neuroprosthetics for restoring lost functions, among others.
- Medical industry
- Prosthetics
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Consumer electronics
- Silver-based inks
- Copper-based inks
- Carbon-based inks
- Gold-based inks
- Polymer-based dielectric inks
- Ceramic-based dielectric inks
- Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Hydrogels
- Silicon
- Fabric
Market size and driving forces
The global bioelectronics and biosensors was valued at USD $19.9 billion in 2024. With growing interest in this sector, the market is projected to reach USD $42.7 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 10%. North America is expected to lead market growth for the next ten years [2][3].
Global bioelectronics and biosensors market size 2032 (USD Billion)
The rapid growth can be attributed to the following factors:
- Increasing health awareness and demand for personalized healthcare[4]
- Technological advancements in key areas such as nanoscale electrical measurement, point-of-care micro-flow and micro-chemical cytometry, and massive parallel microfluidic immunoassays [3]
- Growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer [4]
- Strategic industry investments [5]
- Demographic shift toward an aging population in many countries [5]
Benefits of printed bioelectronics
Traditional manufacturing methods often fall short in accommodating a variety of materials, creating intricate geometries, and offering customization options. In contrast, printed bioelectronics excel in these areas [1].
Variety of materials
Researchers have identified direct-ink-writing (DIW) technology as “the most versatile 3D printing technology for the development of bioelectronics” because it allows for the dispensing of a wide range of materials with different mechanical and electrochemical properties onto a substrate [1]. From conductive silver-hydrogel ink to flexible, porous PEDOT:PSS substrates, the variety of materials that DIW machines can work with is beneficial for designing wearable, stretchable, and high-performance bioelectronic devices.
Variety of materials
Researchers have identified direct-ink-writing (DIW) technology as “the most versatile 3D printing technology for the development of bioelectronics” because it allows for the dispensing of a wide range of materials with different mechanical and electrochemical properties onto a substrate [1]. From conductive silver-hydrogel ink to flexible, porous PEDOT:PSS substrates, the variety of materials that DIW machines can work with is beneficial for designing wearable, stretchable, and high-performance bioelectronic devices.
Design freedom
DIW technology offers exceptional customization capabilities for wearable bioelectronic devices in terms of geometry, dimensions, and function, enabling researchers and developers to create intricate micro- and nano-scale structures. For instance, researchers have printed a heart-on-a-chip device with high shape fidelity, allowing the device to mimic the structure and function of native tissue, which is not only compact but provides a promising alternative to traditional animal testing.
Design freedom
DIW technology offers exceptional customization capabilities for wearable bioelectronic devices in terms of geometry, dimensions, and function, enabling researchers and developers to create intricate micro- and nano-scale structures. For instance, researchers have printed a heart-on-a-chip device with high shape fidelity, allowing the device to mimic the structure and function of native tissue, which is not only compact but provides a promising alternative to traditional animal testing.
High accuracy
The performance of bioelectronics can be optimized by using finer nozzles and tweaking printing parameters such as pressure, speed, and temperature, which translates to high manufacturing accuracy and sensor sensitivity. For instance, in this study, researchers printed hydrogel electrodes that capture human neural signals more precisely than commercially available metallic electrodes and can also sustain temperatures as low as -90°C.
High accuracy
The performance of bioelectronics can be optimized by using finer nozzles and tweaking printing parameters such as pressure, speed, and temperature, which translates to high manufacturing accuracy and sensor sensitivity. For instance, in this study, researchers printed hydrogel electrodes that capture human neural signals more precisely than commercially available metallic electrodes and can also sustain temperatures as low as -90°C.
Rapid prototyping
DIW technology allows researchers to quickly iterate designs, test new materials, and refine device specifications on-site without the lengthy setup times associated with traditional manufacturing methods. This is particularly advantageous in fast-paced research and development environments and multi-department collaborations.Having an in-house DIW machine eliminates the delays and IP risks associated with outsourcing prototypes. It also allows for quicker performance testing and easier modification of designs.
Rapid prototyping
DIW technology allows researchers to quickly iterate designs, test new materials, and refine device specifications on-site without the lengthy setup times associated with traditional manufacturing methods. This is particularly advantageous in fast-paced research and development environments and multi-department collaborations.Having an in-house DIW machine eliminates the delays and IP risks associated with outsourcing prototypes. It also allows for quicker performance testing and easier modification of designs.
Challenges for manufacturing next-generation bioelectronics
Although printed bioelectronics look promising, the following challenges remain to be addressed.
Material customization and compatibility
While a wide range of printable inks have been developed for bioelectronics, each formulation strategy comes with trade-offs. Researchers have experimented with adding fillers and rheology modifiers to inks to enhance printability and mechanical properties, but this can reduce functional performance, such as electrical conductivity [1][6]. In addition, ink customization can cause alignment and adhesion issues [6][7]. Efforts need to be made to develop methods to print additive-free inks or optimize the ratio between functional materials and supporting matrices [1].
Material customization and compatibility
While a wide range of printable inks have been developed for bioelectronics, each formulation strategy comes with trade-offs. Researchers have experimented with adding fillers and rheology modifiers to inks to enhance printability and mechanical properties, but this can reduce functional performance, such as electrical conductivity [1][6]. In addition, ink customization can cause alignment and adhesion issues [6][7]. Efforts need to be made to develop methods to print additive-free inks or optimize the ratio between functional materials and supporting matrices [1].
Increased costs due to efficacy and safety concerns
As bioelectronics become increasingly customized and miniaturized, the demand for high-resolution 3D-printed features to enhance sensor sensitivity, particularly in neural interfacing, is growing. However, achieving these advancements often leads to higher costs due to the need for rigorous quality and safety standards [1]. Additionally, the bioelectronics market faces challenges related to regulatory compliance and ethical considerations, which can further increase expenses and pose restraints on market expansion [4][5].
Increased costs due to efficacy and safety concerns
As bioelectronics become increasingly customized and miniaturized, the demand for high-resolution 3D-printed features to enhance sensor sensitivity, particularly in neural interfacing, is growing. However, achieving these advancements often leads to higher costs due to the need for rigorous quality and safety standards [1]. Additionally, the bioelectronics market faces challenges related to regulatory compliance and ethical considerations, which can further increase expenses and pose restraints on market expansion [4][5].
Future outlook
The future of bioelectronics is promising, with expected advancements in materials, miniaturization, and multifunctionality. As the technology evolves, it will likely see broader applications in personalized medicine, wearable health monitors, and advanced neural interfaces. Continued investment in research and development, alongside regulatory advancements, will be crucial in addressing current challenges and unlocking the full potential of bioelectronic devices.
Our white papers
Printing ECG Electrodes with Biocompatible Gold Ink on TPU
This project demonstrates how we validated the effectiveness of printing ECG electrodes on TPU using biocompatible gold ink and stretchable silver ink.
Additional resources
References
[1] Tay R. Y., et al., Direct-ink-writing 3D-printed bioelectronics, Materials Today, Volume 71, 2023, Pages 135-151, ISSN 1369-7021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mattod.2023.09.006
[2] Business Research Insights, Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Growth, Regional Forecast to 2032, 2024.
[3] Verified Market Research, Global Bioelectronics Market, 2024.
[4] Business Research Insight, Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market, 2024.
[5] Market Research Intellect, Global Bioelectronics Market, 2024.
[6] Fumeaux, N., Briand, D., 3D Printing of Customizable Transient Bioelectronics and Sensors, Advanced Electronic Materials, 2024, 2400058.
[7] Park, Y.-G. et al., High-Resolution 3D Printing for Electronics, Advanced Science, 2022, 9, 2104623.
