Prof. John Rogers
Professor, Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Neurological Surgery, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Science and Engineering, and Chemistry
Director, Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics
Northwestern University and Simpson/Querrey Institute
McCormick School of Engineering, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and Feinberg School of Medicine
Semiconductor Nanomaterials and 3D Assembly Techniques for Transient Electronics
Abstract
A remarkable feature of modern integrated circuit technology is its ability to operate in a stable fashion, with almost perfect reliability, without physical or chemical change. Recently developed classes of semiconductor nanomaterials create an opportunity to engineer the opposite outcome, in the form of ‘transient’ devices that dissolve, disintegrate or otherwise disappear at triggered times or with controlled rates. Water-soluble transient electronics enable interesting possibilities for applications in zero-impact environmental monitors, 'green' consumer electronics and bio-resorbable biomedical implants - none of which is possible with technologies that exist today. This presentation describes the foundational concepts in chemistry, materials science and assembly processes for bioresorbable electronics in 1D, 2D and 3D architectures, the latter enabled by approaches that draw inspiration from the ancient arts of kirigami and origami. Wireless sensors of intracranial temperature, pressure and electrophysiology designed for use in treatment of traumatic brain injury and nerve stimulators configured for accelerated neuroregeneration provide application examples.