Micropatterned Elastomeric Composites for Encapsulation of Transient Electronics

Abstract

Although biodegradable, transientelectronic devicesmust dissolveor decompose via environmental factors, an effective waterproofingor encapsulation system is essential for reliable, durable operationfor a desired period of time. Existing protection approaches use multipleor alternate layers of electrically inactive organic/inorganic elementscombined with polymers; however, their high mechanical stiffness isnot suitable for soft, time-dynamic biological tissues/skins/organs.Here, we introduce a stretchable, bioresorbable encapsulant usingnanoparticle-incorporated elastomeric composites with modificationsof surface morphology. Nature-inspired micropatterns reduce the diffusionarea for water molecules, and embedded nanoparticles impede waterpermeation, which synergistically enhances the water-barrier performance.Empirical and theoretical evaluations validate the encapsulation mechanismsunder strains. Demonstration of a soft, degradable shield with anoptical component under a biological solution highlights the potentialapplicability of the proposed encapsulation strategy.