Smart Polymer Composites Strain Sensors in Biomedicine: State-of-the-Art Material De-Sign and Applications

Polymer composite strain sensors have garnered significant attention in recent years within the field of biomedical applications, primarily due to the remarkable advancements achieved in conductive polymer technology. This review discusses in detail the intricate design of these sensors, their various types and classifications, and their applications in biomedical contexts. The discussion begins with the evolution of conductive polymer composites and their aptitude to transform mechanical deformation into electrical responses. Sensors are then categorized based on their sensing mechanisms. Moving forward, the review examines sensor design and fabrication considerations, including the impact of filler materials, polymer matrices, and production methods on the sensor’s sensitivity, linearity, and reliability. Lastly, the review highlights the potential applications of these sensors in the biomedical field, with a particular focus on wearable health monitoring systems, prosthetic devices, and biofeedback mechanisms. In conclusion, these sensors are promising, characterized by unmatched sensing precision, and expected to fuel significant advancements in the field of biomedical innovation. The analysis presented in this review provides a comprehensive set of tools for academics and industry professionals, enabling them to customize strain sensors for specific applications.