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A new class of electronics that are biocompatible and can dissolve completely in liquid mean that implantable medical treatments are closer to reality for on-the-go warfighters.
DARPA researchers have created electronic systems and components using ultrathin sheets of silicon and magnesium encapsulated in silk, a biocompatible material. The thickness and crystallinity of the silk determines how long the electronics take to dissolve: days, hours, or even minutes. Silicon and magnesium are naturally occurring at low levels in the human body, and since the amount of material used in these devices is below physiological levels these electronics are biocompatible and eco-friendly.
A paper appearing in the September 28, 2012 issue of Science explains how DARPA researchers were able to use this technology to create an implantable device that acts as a non-antibiotic, programmable bactericide that can dissolve harmlessly into the body to prevent surgical site infection.
Originally posted by PatrickGarrow17
A new class of electronics that are biocompatible and can dissolve completely in liquid mean that implantable medical treatments are closer to reality for on-the-go warfighters.
A paper appearing in the September 28, 2012 issue of Science explains how DARPA researchers were able to use this technology to create an implantable device that acts as a non-antibiotic, programmable bactericide that can dissolve harmlessly into the body to prevent surgical site infection.
www.darpa.mil...
So if I'm correct the advancement here is in the electronic engineering and not the liquid. Also, DARPA's site has this as primarily medical in nature. Though, I'm sure it will be applied elsewhere.
Originally posted by subject x
That circuit seemed pretty flimsy. How would it hold up under stress, I wonder?
Originally posted by Insurrection
Originally posted by subject x
That circuit seemed pretty flimsy. How would it hold up under stress, I wonder?
All the circuits are encased and some hardened beyond that, so I have to imagine this is a special use situation and potentially as part of a self-destruct anti-tampering improvement of bugs, specific control systems in military craft, etc.
Think of it in the context of the modified low-observable Black Hawk that crashed at the OBL raid site. Along with the instructions to set explosives and fire a trigger to release the fluid inside optics, comms, etc.
That's just guesswork as I haven't read any associated material but they must already know how they expect it to be used. I'm also guessing they don't opt for existing chemical solutions to avoid accidents and reduce weight. So it's definitely meant for reallllly small circuits and anti-tampering measures. Curious, -Mags