Microfabricated PLGA/PVA-based completely biodegradable passive RF pressure sensors

This paper reports a microfabricated completely biodegradable passive RF pressure sensor with rapid degradation rate. Unlike previous approaches to biodegradable sensors, this sensor utilizes a “shell-core” dielectric structure consisting of FDA-approved biodegradable polymer poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and water soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to achieve rapid degradation. Zinc (Zn) is chosen as the biodegradable electrical conductor. The fabricated sensor was characterized wirelessly in a long-term immersion test in vitro. The sensor exhibited three stages of behavior in vitro: equilibration, functional lifetime, and performance degradation. An in vitro degradation lifetime of 25 days has been demonstrated.