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International Journal of Bioprinting PEDOT/PSS-based sensors

of capturing both physiological and biochemical signals. (4) Miniaturization and integration. Advances in
This is exemplified by sensors that can monitor both fabrication techniques could lead to smaller, more
ECG signals and glucose levels in sweat during physical compact sensors that can be seamlessly integrated
activities. Such multi-functional biosensors offer a holistic into a wide range of wearable devices, textiles, and
perspective, merging real-time physiological responses even implantable medical devices.
with biochemical variations.
(5) Adaptive and self-powered sensors. Future
6. Concluding remarks and prospects PEDOT:PSS sensors might harness energy from
their surroundings or body movements, allowing
PEDOT:PSS, a popular conducting polymer material, faces them to operate autonomously and extend their
several challenges that limit its widespread use in various operational lifetimes.
applications. The primary issues include the inconsistent
conductivity of the material due to environmental (6) Smart environments and Internet of Things (IoT).
sensitivity, instability, and aging of PEDOT:PSS over time, As the IoT ecosystem expands, PEDOT:PSS
leading to decreased performance and reliability, difficulty sensors could play a pivotal role in creating smart
in achieving uniform and defect-free film formation, environments. These sensors may contribute to
low mechanical strength and flexibility, and interface data-driven decision-making in industries, such as
incompatibility with certain substrates and interfaces agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and urban
in electronic devices. Addressing these limitations and planning.
challenges is essential to enhance the performance and (7) Multi-parameter sensing. The sensors capable of
applicability of PEDOT:PSS in areas such as energy storage simultaneous detection of multiple parameters will
devices, flexible electronics, and biosensors. Ongoing become more refined, allowing for a comprehensive
research focuses on improving stability, conductivity, understanding of complex systems and environments.
mechanical properties, and interfacial compatibility of
PEDOT:PSS materials to widen their practical utilization. (8) Biocompatible and implantable sensors.
Advancements in biocompatible materials and
Looking ahead, the future of 3D-printed PEDOT:PSS fabrication techniques will enable the creation of
hydrogel sensors holds promising prospects for further PEDOT:PSS sensors for implantation within the
expanding their functionalities and applications. body, providing real-time monitoring of health
Regardless of these achievements, some challenges still conditions and therapeutic responses.
remain. As technology continues to advance, several
exciting directions emerge: (9) Artificial intelligence integration. Supported
by artificial intelligence and machine learning
(1) Enhanced sensing modalities. Future PEDOT:PSS algorithms, the PEDOT:PSS sensors will be able to
sensors are likely to encompass an even broader process complex data patterns, thereby improving
spectrum of sensing modalities. This may involve the accuracy and providing predictive insights.
integration of new materials, such as nanomaterials
and biomolecules, to enable the detection of a wider (10) Environmental monitoring. Environmental
range of analytes, including specific chemicals, ions, monitoring is an important element in the
gases, and biomarkers. development of sustainable and smart cities, and
thus, PEDOT:PSS sensors can play a role in this
(2) Real-time monitoring. The evolution of PEDOT:PSS regard by monitor environmental factors, such as
sensors could lead to real-time, continuous pollution, humidity, and temperature.
monitoring of various parameters. This helps
revolutionize the healthcare sector, enabling the Acknowledgments
constant tracking of health indicators and early
disease detection, as well as improving patient None.
outcomes and preventive care.
Funding
(3) Wireless connectivity. Incorporating wireless
communication capabilities into PEDOT:PSS sensors This work was supported by the Xianning City Program
may allow seamless data transmission to external of Science & Technology (No. 2022ZRKX051), Science
devices or cloud platforms. This can facilitate remote Development Foundation of Hubei University of Science
monitoring, data analysis, and personalized feedback & Technology (No. BK202217, 2021F005, 2021ZX14),
in real time. Special Fund for Medical Research of Hubei University of

Volume 10 Issue 2 (2024) 19 doi: 10.36922/ijb.1725