Flexible electronic/optoelectronic microsystems with scalable designs for chronic biointegration

Abstract

Significance Emerging classes of flexible electronic systems designed to interface to soft tissues of the human body serve as the foundations for bioelectronic forms of medicine, with capabilities that can complement those of traditional pharmaceutical approaches. This work establishes the engineering science of categories of biointegrated microsystems that include assemblies of tens of thousands of microdevices interconnected into functional networks on thin flexible polymer substrates with areas that approach those of the human brain. Detailed in vitro studies suggest the ability of these systems to provide sophisticated electronic and optoelectronic function with stable, biologically safe operation for many decades. The results define concepts and technological approaches with widespread utility in the field of bioelectronics.