Dissolvable silicon device for brain monitoring shows promise

Researchers have created an implantable brain device that could make it safer and easier to monitor activity in the brain.

Created by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the device is made of layers of silicon and molybdenum that can measure physiological characteristics before dissolving at a quantifiable rate, as determined by its thickness.

A study involving mice showed that these devices can detect neurophysiologic features that are useful in diagnosing and treating such disorders as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, depression, chronic pain and peripheral nervous system conditions.

After their usefulness has been expended, they will then simply dissolve harmlessly away into the body, instead of needing to be surgically removed.

Dr Brian Litt, a professor of neurology, neurosurgery and bioengineering, said: "Dissolvable silicon electronics offer an unprecedented opportunity to implant advanced monitoring systems that eliminate the risks, cost and discomfort associated with surgery to extract current devices used for postoperative monitoring."

Next, more complex devices will be created to incorporate flow, pressure and other measurement capabilities, in addition to electrical recording. These will be tested in animal models of disease before moving into human testing.