“You have to look at this material carefully.”

Researchers have found that there are potential health and environmental threats lurking in dissolvable medical devices.

What is happening?

Researchers at Northeastern University examined the degradation, or biodegradation, of transient electronics used in medicine. The last Research paper The researchers looked specifically at the degradation byproducts of two types of such devices — pressure sensors and photodetectors — that are designed to decompose or partially dissolve at the end of their useful life.

Scientists found that these devices still leave in their wake potentially harmful microplastics and other byproducts. According to A University summary Through the research, it was found that some devices leave behind a polymer called PEDOT:PSS, which can last for more than eight years and can in turn lead to the formation of microplastic fragments.

Why are byproducts of biodegradable medical devices a concern?

Researchers were concerned about the additional health costs imposed by contaminating waste areas with more microplastics or other potentially toxic byproducts.

the paper He pointed out that “the biodegradability or biodegradability of electronic devices alone is not sufficient to ensure environmental safety.”

“You have to look at this material carefully.” He said The report was written by Ravinder Dahiya in the university report. “Typically, at the end of their life, electronic devices are thrown into the soil. When you put an electronic board in the soil, we need to understand whether the electronic board, in the process of decomposition, is enriching the soil or if the soil is not affected. In some cases, decomposition can permanently damage the soil, and this is a major environmental and health problem.”

Exposure to microplastics has been linked to a range of endocrine, renal, circulatory, gastrointestinal, immune, neurological and reproductive health risks. Biodegradable medical devices have the potential to reduce microplastic pollution, but their designs may need further improvement in order to properly eliminate the threat.

What is being done about microplastics and medical waste?

In everyday life, it is possible to reduce the amount of microplastics remaining in the environment Finding alternative materials In containers, bags and other single-use items. Car tires, paint and clothing Major contributors to microplasticsso actions like Driving less and Buy used clothes These are choices at the individual level.

Researchers around the world are tackling the challenge of transient electronics. Some have found a way to make a battery using probiotic bacteria, for example. Follow up research A team from Northeastern University will examine the decomposition rate of polymers and polymer-based transient devices by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide they emit over time in waste conditions.

“Our long-term goal is to replace all of these materials with environmentally friendly machines, and eventually develop electronics that do not require dealing with electronic waste.” [at all]”,”Dahiya He said.

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