Biodegradable electronics have opened up new possibilities in the medical field, allowing for devices such as drug delivery systems, pacemakers, and neural implants to safely degrade in the body once they are no longer needed. However, one of the key challenges faced by researchers is controlling the dissolve rate of these devices to ensure that they remain functional for the necessary period of time. In a groundbreaking study published in Advanced Functional Materials, a team of researchers led by Huanyu “Larry” Cheng from Penn State University have made significant strides in this area.
The key to controlling the dissolve rate of biodegradable electronics lies in the encapsulation of the devices with dissolvable elements such as inorganic fillers and polymers. Ankan Dutta, a co-first author on the paper and doctoral student in engineering science and mechanics at Penn State, explains that by experimenting with different materials and designs, they were able to develop an encapsulation strategy that allows the device to remain in the body for over 40 days without degrading, while still retaining its mechanical properties.
Encapsulating biodegradable devices using fillers such as zinc oxide and silicon dioxide can significantly slow down the degradation process, thus extending the functional lifetime of the device. Dutta used modeling software to analyze the effects of different fillers and designs on the onset of degradation of the electronic implant in the body. They found that coating the device in silicon dioxide flakes was the most effective way to control the degradation rate.
One of the key factors identified in the study was the aspect ratio of the encapsulation, which played a crucial role in predicting the degradation onset of the device. By fine-tuning the aspect ratio, as well as the types of materials used and the number of fillers, the researchers were able to passively control the degradation rate of the implant inside the body. This breakthrough has paved the way for what they call ‘on-demand transient electronics’.
Collaborators at Korea University used Dutta’s simulations to fabricate a prototype of a biodegradable implant that demonstrated high efficiency in encapsulation. The composite solution, consisting of a biodegradable polymer matrix and organic filler, was cast into a film for large-scale production without the need for additional treatments, making it highly practical for real-world applications.
In comparison to active degradation methods that rely on third-party systems like ultrasound or light technology to trigger the breakdown of a device, the passive degradation approach developed by the research team is more cost-effective and feasible for use in clinical settings. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize patient care by providing long-lasting medical implants that degrade naturally in the body.
The research conducted by Huanyu “Larry” Cheng and his team at Penn State University represents a significant advancement in the field of biodegradable electronics for medical devices. By controlling the dissolve rate of these devices through innovative encapsulation strategies, they have paved the way for the development of long-lasting, on-demand transient electronics that have the potential to transform healthcare as we know it.
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