Abstract

We combine microfluidic fabrication with liquid metal (based on Gallium) encapsulated in elastic polymers to achieve stretchable and biodegradable electronic circuitry. Conductive inks made from lipid metals-polymer composites (MPC) can be encapsulated within elastomer-based microfluidic channels that serve as conducting wires that are flexible, stretchable and completely biodegradable. MPCs are applicable to biochemical assays, pharmaceutical screening and conformal devices that can adhere to and measure electrical/chemical signals of human organs. By being completely biocompatible and stretchable, MPCs integrate seamlessly with living tissues. These properties can dramatically expand the capability of electronic devices as biomedical sensors, as well as actuators for controllable movement of cells and gene therapy. MPC -based epidermal electronics, such as blood oxygen sensors and sweat detection devices, allow real-time health monitoring. Implanted MPCs can form “electronic blood vessels” that integrates sensing with regeneration in model animals.