Ultra-stretchable and biodegradable elastomers for soft, transient electronics

Abstract

As rubber-like elastomers have led to scientific breakthroughs in soft, stretchable characteristics-based wearable, implantable electronic devices or relevant research fields, developments of degradable elastomers with comparable mechanical properties could bring similar technological innovations in transient, bioresorbable electronics or expansion into unexplored areas. Here, we introduce ultra-stretchable, biodegradable elastomers capable of stretching up to ~1600% with outstanding properties in toughness, tear-tolerance, and storage stability, all of which are validated by comprehensive mechanical and biochemical studies. The facile formation of thin films enables the integration of almost any type of electronic device with tunable, suitable adhesive strengths. Conductive elastomers tolerant/sensitive to mechanical deformations highlight possibilities for versatile monitoring/sensing components, particularly the strain-tolerant composites retain high levels of conductivities even under tensile strains of ~550%. Demonstrations of soft electronic grippers and transient, suture-free cardiac jackets could be the cornerstone for sophisticated, multifunctional biodegradable electronics in the fields of soft robots and biomedical implants.

Copolymers of Gelatin-graft-poly(3-hexylthiophene) for Transient Electronics

“…Degradability is an essential property of transient electronic materials. Gelatin is a water-soluble, biodegradable biopolymer, typically degrading by thermal and enzymatic degradation. , Here, an enzymatic degradation was performed to evaluate the potential of Gel- g -P3HT-2 for use in biomedical applications, e.g., in implantable electronics. ,− In vitro enzymatic degradation of gelatin is usually conducted in the PBS solution using collagenases, which are one of the three main subfamilies of human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and are enzymes that can cleave the peptide bonds in the extracellular matrix of mammalian organ systems . In the degradation of Gel- g -P3HT-2, collagenase type II was utilized to perform the enzymatic degradation of gelatin, which is expected to specifically cleave amine (peptide) bonds in the gelatin backbone of the Gel- g -P3HT .…”

Flexible resistive tactile pressure sensors

“…Additionally, methods such as reducing sensor thickness, decreasing the sensor's Young's modulus, and optimizing sensor structural design can all enhance the flexibility of flexible resistive tactile sensors. 38,39…”

Vacuum pyrolysis depolymerization of waste polystyrene foam into high-purity styrene using a spirit lamp flame for convenient chemical recycling

“…1–3 If no measures are taken to address this issue, it is projected that waste plastics will double within the next 20 years, reaching 33 billion tons by 2050. 4,5 While various bio-based and biodegradable polymers have been developed as alternatives to non-biodegradable plastics, 6–9 a significant amount of non-biodegradable waste plastics persists, accumulating on land and in the oceans without decomposing. The primary culprits behind plastic pollution are petrochemical-based polymers with a carbon–carbon backbone, mainly polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene (PS).…”