Biomedical applications of inherently conducting polymers (ICPs)

The identification and development of materials that find application in biomedical applications has a profound effect on our quality of life. It is breakthroughs in this area of materials research that has seen the development of highly effective stents [1,2], bone replacements [3], pacemakers [4], bionic ears [5], and wearable prosthetics [6]. In each of the above examples, the material requirements will differ. However, in all cases they must be compatible with the biological environment in which they are to operate. This compatibility may involve molecular and cellular interactions, be at the skeletal level where in aspects related to wearability, comfort, lightweight, and esthetics become important.