Imagine a pacemaker or other device assembling itself inside of your body without the need for surgery.
The concept of in vivo assembly of electronic devices is gaining traction as researchers explore the integration of electronics directly within living organisms. This innovative approach could lead to the development of bioelectronics that function seamlessly inside biological systems, enabling real-time monitoring and interaction with physiological processes. Such advancements may facilitate the creation of sophisticated medical devices that can be implanted or ingested, providing continuous health monitoring or targeted therapies without invasive procedures.
Recent studies have highlighted techniques that allow for the assembly of electronic circuits directly into tissue, potentially transforming how we approach medical implants. These bioelectronic devices could address challenges associated with traditional implants, such as mechanical mismatches that lead to tissue inflammation and scarring. By utilizing soft, flexible materials that mimic biological tissues, researchers aim to enhance the compatibility and functionality of implanted devices.
As this field evolves, it holds promise for applications in telemedicine and personalized healthcare, where real-time data collection and responsive treatments can significantly improve patient outcomes. The ongoing research in this area is paving the way for a new era of medical technology that integrates electronics with biological systems in a harmonious manner.
Citations:
[1] https://www.factcheck.org
[2] https://patents.google.com/patent/US20060004257
[3] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2013.00012/full
[4] https://blog.addgene.org/plasmids-101-simplify-cloning-with-in-vivo-assembly
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2632897/
[6] https://www.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/in-silico-in-vivo
[7] https://www.ossila.com/pages/applications-of-self-assembled-monolayers
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6802500/
