In vivo analytical techniques facilitated by contemporary materials

The ever-growing quest for real-time monitoring of living systems, aimed to provide true snapshots of their chemical composition, has fueled research to design devices for in vivo measurements. Materials used for this purpose must comply with various requirements linked to their biocompatibility and suitability for chemical analysis. This review surveys contemporary materials used for in vivo measurements through three common analytical methodologies, wearable sensors, microdialysis and microextraction. Each material discussed is described in terms of adaptability to an in vivo analytical device, biocompatibility and feasibility for precise measurement of desired properties/composition of a living system. [Display omitted] •Critical properties of materials used for in vivo measurements are discussed.•Three analytical technologies are reviewed: microextraction, microdialysis and sensors.•Real-time measurements for human, animal and plants.•The role of biopolymers as materials for in vivo analysis is highlighted.