While implantable electronic devices that monitor and treat a variety of diseases is nothing new, they all have the downside that a second procedure is required to remove them from the body. Dissolvable electronics may one day overcome this, breaking down in a pre-programmed fashion and eliminated from the body along with the rest of the waste once their job is done.
Researchers at Iowa State have just reported in journal Advanced Functional Materials on a new insulating polymer film that can be used as a platform for “transient” electronics. The material is made out of polyvinyl alcohol, a water soluble synthetic polymer, while adding gelatin or sucrose to the material respectively slows down or speeds up how fast the polymer dissolves.
Flashbacks: Dissolvable “Transient Electronics” Will Be Good For Your Body and the Environment…; Dissolvable Electronics Demonstrate Effectiveness in Bacteria Fighting Implant…; Biodegradable Batteries Could Power Electronics Deep Within Body…
Study in Advanced Functional Materials: Study of Physically Transient Insulating Materials as a Potential Platform for Transient Electronics and Bioelectronics…
Press release: Iowa State materials scientist developing materials and electronics that dissolve when triggered…