There is an increasing recognition that biological systems can be influenced in many ways by electron and ion transfer reactions generated in electrochemical experiments. 

Recent work suggests that it is likely that all cells are electrically active and that influences cell functions, their phenotype and inter-cell communication. Furthermore, the appearance of diseases such as cancer can correlate with, or even be caused by, changes in the bioelectrical properties of the cells.

Electrical stimulation can enhance cell proliferation, differentiation and interconnection. Significantly, unlike surgery and therapeutics, electrical stimulation is typically a reversible and non-destructive treatment. Wired Electrical Stimulation (ES) has been used to effectively relieve pain, promote blood circulation, reduce vascular and skeletal muscle tension, and block cancer cell proliferation. Alternatively, tt is possible to create wireless “batteries” that can generate a local electrical stimulus, e.g., wound dressings that can kill antimicrobial resistant bacteria and deactivate SARS-CoV 2. 

This DCU review considers recent investigations to interface electrochemistry with living systems using a wirefree, bipolar or wireless strategy. The focus is on biocompatible, electronically conducting polymers whose 2D and 3D structure is optimised for their use in wirefree electrochemical systems and the important emerging role of 3D structured films as well as 3D bipolar and feeder electrodes. Finally, we consider some remaining challenges and prospects for the field in the area of electroceuticals.