John Rogers1
Northwestern University1
Recently developed classes of functional materials serve as the basis for microsystems technologies that dissolve, disintegrate, degrade or otherwise physically disappear at triggered times or with controlled rates. Water-soluble technologies of this type are of interest for zero-impact environmental monitors, 'green' consumer electronic gadgetry and resorbable medical implants. This talk describes the foundational concepts in materials science, electrical engineering and assembly processes for various applications. The emphasis is on environmentally resorbable batteries, microelectromechanical systems and chemical sensors, the latter of which adopt 3D designs inspired wind-dispersed seeds to facilitate deployment.