Laser-induced graphene for bioelectronics and soft actuators

Laser-assisted process can enable facile, mask-free, large-area, inexpensive, customizable, and miniaturized patterning of laser-induced porous graphene (LIG) on versatile carbonaceous substrates (e.g., polymers, wood, food, textiles) in a programmed manner at ambient conditions. Together with high tailorability of its porosity, morphology, composition, and electrical conductivity, LIG can find wide applications in emerging bioelectronics (e.g., biophysical and biochemical sensing) and soft robots (e.g., soft actuators). In this review paper, we first introduce the methods to make LIG on various carbonaceous substrates and then discuss its electrical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties and biocompatibility that are critical for applications in bioelectronics and soft robots. Next, we overview the recent studies of LIG-based biophysical (e.g., strain, pressure, temperature, hydration, humidity, electrophysiological) sensors and biochemical (e.g., gases, electrolytes, metabolites, pathogens, nucleic acids, immunology) sensors. The applications of LIG in flexible energy generators and photodetectors are also introduced. In addition, LIG-enabled soft actuators that can respond to chemicals, electricity, and light stimulus are overviewed. Finally, we briefly discuss the future challenges and opportunities of LIG fabrications and applications.