Biodegradable Implantable Microsystems

Biodegradable implanted devices and microsystems are candidates to fulfill the utmost required in-vivo assistance for a variety of envisioned bio-medical health care applications. They range from monitoring biomarkers, recording, and stimulation, to local drug administration. Ideally, the implants bring minimal invasive damage but have maximum interaction with the surrounding tissue. It may be only temporarily needed or quasi-permanent. The manifold requirements have triggered significant technological advances in terms of material, fabrication, and integration. The use of conventional micro and nanofabrication, paired with innovative soft-material processing and 3D printing allows for patient-specific, custom-made biodegradable implantable microsystems. Here we summarize the current status and future trends.