Aims of the project
Electronic components that are completely broken down in a biological environment after a pre-defined operating life open up novel applications as well as ways for reducing their ecological footprint. A novel application area for these innovative electronic components for example is in the field of active medical implants that after expiration of their operating life are resorbed by tissue, thereby sparing the patient a second surgical intervention.
The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft e. V. is now funding the “bioElektron – Biodegradable Electronics for Active Implants" project through its in-house program (funding No. MAVO B31 301). The goal of the project is the development of essential components for biodegradable electronic parts that can be employed for example in an implant.
This includes in particular
- biodegradable conductor structures
- biodegradable electrodes for collecting electrical signals or delivering electrical stimulation
- biodegradable thin-film transistors and circuitry
- biodegradable barrier coatings as moisture and gas barriers, and electrical insulation layers
These elements will be monolithically integrated into a flexible thin-film device.