Since the isolation of graphene in 2004, there has been an exponentially growing number of reports on layered two-dimensional (2D) materials for applications ranging from protective coatings to biochemical sensing. Due to the exceptional, and often tunable, electrical, optical, electrochemical, and physical properties of these materials, they can serve as the active sensing element or a supporting substrate for diverse healthcare applications. In this review, we provide a survey of the recent reports on the applications of 2D materials in biosensing and other emerging healthcare areas, ranging from wearable technologies to optogenetics to neural interfacing. Specifically, this review provides (i) a holistic evaluation of relevant material properties across a wide range of 2D systems, (ii) a comparison of 2D material-based biosensors to the state-of-the-art, (iii) relevant material synthesis approaches specifically reported for healthcare applications, and (iv) the technological considerations to facilitate mass production and commercialization.

Two-Dimensional Materials in Biosensing and Healthcare: From In Vitro Diagnostics to Optogenetics and Beyond

Graphene is the first 2D crystal ever isolated by mankind. It consists of a single graphite layer, and its exceptional properties are revolutionizing material science. However, there is still a lack of convenient mass-production methods to obtain defect-free monolayer graphene. In contrast, graphene nanoplatelets, hybrids between graphene and graphite, are already industrially available. Such nanomaterials are attractive, considering their planar structure, light weight, high aspect ratio, electrical conductivity, low cost, and mechanical toughness. These diverse features enable applications ranging from energy harvesting and electronic skin to reinforced plastic materials. This review presents progress in composite materials with graphene nanoplatelets applied, among others, in the field of flexible electronics and motion and structural sensing. Particular emphasis is given to applications such as antennas, flexible electrodes for energy devices, and strain sensors. A separate discussion is included on advanced biodegradable materials reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets. A discussion of the necessary steps for the further spread of graphene nanoplatelets is provided for each revised field.

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Graphene Nanoplatelets-Based Advanced Materials and Recent Progress in Sustainable Applications

Combined advances in material science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering form the foundations of thin, soft electronic/optoelectronic platforms that have unique capabilities in wireless monitoring and control of various biological processes in cells, tissues, and organs. Miniaturized, stretchable antennas represent an essential link between such devices and external systems for control, power delivery, data processing, and/or communication. Applications typically involve a demanding set of considerations in performance, size, and stretchability. Some of the most effective strategies rely on unusual materials such as liquid metals, nanowires, and woven textiles or on optimally configured 2D/3D structures such as serpentines and helical coils of conventional materials. In the best cases, the performance metrics of small, stretchable, radio frequency (RF) antennas realized using these strategies compare favorably to those of traditional devices. Examples range from dipole, monopole, and patch antennas for far-field RF operation, to magnetic loop antennas for near-field communication (NFC), where the key parameters include operating frequency, Q factor, radiation pattern, and reflection coefficient S11 across a range of mechanical deformations and cyclic loads. Despite significant progress over the last several years, many challenges and associated research opportunities remain in the development of high-efficiency antennas for biointegrated electronic/optoelectronic systems.

Flexible and Stretchable Antennas for Biointegrated Electronics.

Textile based sensors, an emerging class of wearable devices, are a potential platform for next generation, functionality and amenability for the human body incorporating sensing and control. The main purpose of this review is to provide an overview of textile based sensors, sensor substrates, and substrate pre-processing including surface modification of the base substrates. This review also summarizes various conducting polymers and inks, production methods of developing robust conductive fibres or textiles, and different factors affecting the durability and cleaning of conductive textiles. This manuscript also critically examines properties relating to acceptability and performance of textile based sensors which are subjected to wear and care during repeated use e.g. care, maintenance, and durability. This aspect (wear and care) of performance is often ignored during development. Wear and care effects on performance need to be understood and solutions found for extending the life cycle and performance of textile based sensors.

Textile sensors for wearable applications: a comprehensive review

The field of flexible antennas is witnessing an exponential growth due to the demand for wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) framework, point of care devices, personalized medicine platform, 5G technology, wireless sensor networks, and communication devices with a smaller form factor to name a few. The choice of non-rigid antennas is application specific and depends on the type of substrate, materials used, processing techniques, antenna performance, and the surrounding environment. There are numerous design innovations, new materials and material properties, intriguing fabrication methods, and niche applications. This review article focuses on the need for flexible antennas, materials, and processes used for fabricating the antennas, various material properties influencing antenna performance, and specific biomedical applications accompanied by the design considerations. After a comprehensive treatment of the above-mentioned topics, the article will focus on inherent challenges and future prospects of flexible antennas. Finally, an insight into the application of flexible antenna on future wireless solutions is discussed.

Flexible Antennas: A Review.

Application of graphene-based flexible antennas in consumer electronic devices

Saving the foot: Simple orthopaedic surgical intervention demonstrates improved outcomes and reduced costs.

Within the aesthetics sector, the popularity of skinboosters is increasing, with the benefits of hyaluronic acid, particularly its hydrating effect, being sought after among patients who are looking for improved skin complexion. Seventy Hyal 2000 is a new skinbooster in the market that is particularly promising due to high levels of hyaluronic acid (30 mg/2 ml) and its high-molecular weight when compared to other products. This article will aim to outline the mechanism of action and review the evidence base behind skinboosters, before looking more specifically at Seventy Hyal 2000. This will include a review of the treatment protocols used thus far in the four UK clinics trialling the product, as well as feedback from treatments performed and an overview of a case study from one of the aforementioned clinics.

A. Robinson

Papers

Application of graphene-based flexible antennas in consumer electronic devices

Saving the foot: Simple orthopaedic surgical intervention demonstrates improved outcomes and reduced costs.

Seventy Hyal 2000: review of a new skinbooster treatment and case study