Bio-inspired and biomimetic composites based on biodegradable polymers for sensing applications with emphasis on early diagnosis of cancer

With the increasing demand for tissue adhesive, soft self-healing, antifouling, biodegradable and biocompatible biosensors, the use of biomimetic polymers has paved the way for the development of these advanced sensing systems. Especially, biomimetic polymers have provided new opportunities and development directions for the soft implantable and wearable biosensors. In fact, the impressive development in the bio-inspired and biomimetic composites based on biodegradable polymers has led to the creation of tissue-adhesive implantable biosensors with the minimal immune response or biofouling. This review aims to cover the advances in the mimetic biodegradable polymers (natural or synthetic) with an emphasis on the state-of-the-art sensing devices based on these composites. It also highlights the unique properties of biomimetic polymers such as self-healing, self-adhesion, enzyme-like activity, antibacterial activity, regenerative activity, etc. Considering the high rate of cancer in the world, especially in developing countries, a separate section is dedicated to the use of mimetic biopolymers-based sensors for early diagnosis of cancer. Finally, an outlook on the current challenges and future developments of this field is presented.