Self-Powered, Bioresorbable Optoelectronic Devices

Programmable engineering platforms for active control of medical devices include power sources, delivery mechanisms, communication hardware, and associated electronics, most typically in forms that require surgical extraction after a period of use. In this talk, I will introduce our self-powered optoelectronic platforms that bypasses key disadvantages of these systems and enables miniaturized devices for drug delivery and electrotherapy, with constituent materials being bioresorbable that naturally degrade after a period of stable operation in the human body. Bioresorbable batteries serve as power supplies. Studies of various bioresorbable electrode materials define the key considerations and guide optimized choices in designs. Programmability relies on the use of external light sources to illuminate wavelength-sensitive phototransistors via wavelength-division multiplexing strategy. In vivo demonstrations of programmed release of lidocaine and multi-site cardiac pacing in small and large animal models illustrate the functionality in the context of drug delivery and electrotherapy. This platform can be readily adapted for a broad range of additional applications.