Bioelectronics that dissolves in liquid


Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has come up with a new wave of electronics. These are biologically degradable electronics that dissolves completely in presence of liquids.


These bio-electronics could find numerous applications in medical treatments. Researchers at DARPA created these electronics using ultra-thin sheets made of silicon and magnesium enclosed in silk.


Transistors, diodes, inductors, capacitors and resistors, all incorporated in a very thin sheet of silk. Using the thickness and crystalline nature of silk, researchers are able to calculate the dissolving time of these electronics.



Magnesium and Silicon naturally occurs at low levels in human body. As the amount of these materials used in bio-electronics is less than these natural levels, these are extremely bio-compatible.


The idea is to create biodegradable electronics that could be applied for medical treatments to prevent infection of the wounds especially concerning soldiers.

Credits: DARPA

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