title: Towards biodegradable wireless implants.
abstract: A new generation of partially or even fully biodegradable implants is emerging. The idea of using temporary devices is to avoid a second surgery to remove the implant after its period of use, thereby improving considerably the patient's comfort and safety. This paper provides a state-of-the-art overview and an experimental section that describes the key technological challenges for making biodegradable devices. The general considerations for the design and synthesis of biodegradable components are illustrated with radiofrequency-driven resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) resonators made of biodegradable metals (Mg, Mg alloy, Fe, Fe alloys) and biodegradable conductive polymer composites (polycaprolactone-polypyrrole, polylactide-polypyrrole). Two concepts for partially/fully biodegradable wireless implants are discussed, the ultimate goal being to obtain a fully biodegradable sensor for in vivo sensing.
authors.affiliation: Micro and Nanosystems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Switzerland. clementine.boutry@micro.mavt.ethz.ch
authors.forename: Clémentine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Boutry
authors.forename: Hengky
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chandrahalim
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Streit
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schinhammer
authors.forename: Anja C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Hänzi
authors.forename: Christofer
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hierold
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004867:Equipment Design; D011846:Radio Waves
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials