Metasurfaces for bioelectronics and healthcare

Abstract

Bioelectronic systems typically rely on radiofrequency wireless components to interface with the human body, but such components are bulky and energy-demanding, which limits the performance of the systems. Metasurfaces—artificial two-dimensional materials with subwavelength structure—can be engineered to control electromagnetic fields around the human body and could be used to overcome the current limitations of bioelectronic interfaces. Here we review the development of metasurfaces for bioelectronics, and explore their potential for application in current and emerging healthcare technologies. We examine the use of metasurfaces to control electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the human body, and discuss their application in microwave imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, biosensors, body networks and wireless power transfer. We also consider developments in materials science and artificial intelligence that can enhance the properties of metasurfaces for bioelectronics. This Review examines the development of metasurfaces for bioelectronic interfaces, exploring how they can be used to control electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the human body and their potential application in current and emerging healthcare technologies.