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Sustainable chemistry approaches for biomedical applications of energy materials: A converging frontier

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Recent advancements in biomedical science and energy materials have unveiled transformative opportunities at their intersection, primarily driven by sustainable chemistry. As the demand for smarter, safer, and more eco-conscious medical technologies rises, the integration of principles from green chemistry and energy materials science offers a promising path forward. This paper explores how green synthesis, renewable energy integration, and waste-minimizing material strategies contribute to next-generation biomedical applications, such as implantable energy devices, biosensors, and regenerative scaffolds. These technologies, often powered by biodegradable batteries, piezoelectric elements, or enzymatic biofuel cells, are pushing the boundaries of medical innovation by ensuring performance while minimizing ecological impact. Focusing on biodegradable energy-harvesting materials, bioelectronic interfaces, and eco-compatible production routes, we discuss both the environmental and therapeutic benefits of sustainable materials design. By utilizing bio-derived polymers, non-toxic solvents, and closed-loop recycling systems, biomedical devices are evolving to support not only patient health but planetary health as well. This dual focus is increasingly critical in light of climate change, growing electronic waste, and the need for equitable healthcare access through cost-effective production methods. The convergence of biomedical needs with sustainable energy chemistry not only addresses energy challenges in clinical environments but also promotes circularity, safety, and multifunctionality in health-related technologies. Through collaborative innovation spanning materials science, biomedical engineering, and environmental chemistry, a new generation of medical devices is emerging ones that are self-powered, minimally invasive, degradable, and designed with both human and ecological wellness in mind.

Source: Sustainable Chemistry for Energy Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.scenem.2025.100021

Authors: Amirhossein Gheisizadeh, Seyedeh Farnaz Darghiasi, Ashkan Farazin

Institutions: Politecnico di Torino, Boise State University, Stevens Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,850