Stretchable transistors and functional circuits for human-integrated electronics

Electronics with skin- or tissue-like mechanical properties, including low stiffness and high stretchability, can be used to create intelligent technologies for application in areas such as health monitoring and human–machine interactions. Stretchable transistors that provide signal-processing and computational functions will be central to the development of this technology. Here, we review the development of stretchable transistors and functional circuits, examining progress in terms of materials and device engineering. We consider the three established approaches for creating stretchable transistors: buckling engineering, stiffness engineering and intrinsic-stretchability engineering. We also explore the current capabilities of stretchable transistors and circuits in human-integrated electronics and consider the challenges involved in delivering advanced applications. This Review examines the three established approaches for creating stretchable transistors—buckling engineering, stiffness engineering and intrinsic-stretchability engineering—and explores the current and future capabilities of stretchable transistors and circuits in human-integrated electronics.