Abstract

BIOELECTRICAL MEDICINE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF MECHANISMS, TECHNOLOGIES AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

Mahesh A. Jadhav*, Dhanashri S. Chede, Harish D. Shendage, Ayan J. Mulla, Dr. Sadhana R. Sahi

ABSTRACT

Bioelectrical medicine, also known as electroceutical therapy, represents a revolutionary convergence of biology, engineering, and clinical science aimed at modulating physiological functions through precisely controlled electrical signals. Originating from Galvani’s discovery of ―animal electricity,‖ the field has evolved through milestones such as electrocardiography, pacemakers, and neurostimulators to the present era of intelligent, AI-driven bioelectronic systems. These devices operate by detecting, decoding, and stimulating neural pathways to restore homeostasis in diverse disorders including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, heart failure, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. The mechanisms involve closed-loop feedback systems integrating sensors, processors, and stimulators for targeted therapy with minimal side effects. Current innovations—such as flexible neural interfaces, self-powered implants, and wearable BioMEMS—have expanded applications beyond neurology to cardiology, endocrinology,psychiatry, and regenerative medicine. Global market projections indicate significant growth, from USD 25.48 billion in 2024 to USD 47.28 billion by 2034, driven by technological progress and rising chronic disease prevalence. However, challenges such as device durability, biocompatibility, surgical invasiveness, cost, and regulatory hurdles remain critical barriers. Ethical concerns regarding neural data privacy and accessibility also demand structured oversight. Future directions emphasize integration with nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine to achieve fully adaptive, patient-specific electroceutical systems. Thus, bioelectrical medicine holds transformative potential to redefine healthcare by shifting the paradigm from pharmacological intervention to bioelectronic modulation of disease.

Keywords: Bioelectrical devices, Pacemaker, Biosensors, Electrocardiography, Bioelectronic medicine, Bioelectrical medicine; Electroceuticals; Neural modulation; Bioelectronic devices; Pacemaker; Biosensors; Neurostimulation; Closed-loop systems; Artificial intelli