Page 315 - IJB-10-5

International

Journal of Bioprinting

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Amphiphobic encapsulation for biodegradable

electronics

Daeun Sung 1 id , Yerim Lee 1,2 id , Seunghun Han 1,2 id , Sumin Kim 1,2 id , Bon Jekal 1,2 id ,
Minki Hong 1,2 id , Keunhong Jeong 3 id , and Jahyun Koo *
1,2 id
1 Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul,
South Korea
2 Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
3 Department of Chemistry, Korea Military Academy, Seoul, South Korea

Abstract
Biodegradable electronics, capable of degradation and resorption in biological
environments, require an encapsulation layer for precise lifetime control to perform
versatile sensing and actuation in various clinical scenarios. Recent advances in
biodegradable polymer chemistry have enabled the development of photocurable
encapsulation of biodegradable electronics. However, challenges, such as
nonuniform irradiation and incomplete crosslinking due to the limited penetration
depth of the light source, restrict their long-term implantable operation. In this study,
a 50-μm layer-by-layer three-dimensional (3D) printing approach was adopted for a
photocurable encapsulation layer to enhance the lifetime of biodegradable electronics
through predictable and homogeneous crosslinking of the encapsulation material.
The waterproof and mechanical properties of the 3D-printed polybutanedithiol
1,3,5-triallyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione pentenoic anhydride (PBTPA)
*Corresponding author: polymer are analyzed and compared with at-once UV-cured PBTPAs. Our study also
Jahyun Koo investigates the enhanced waterproofing properties of the binary hydrophobic
(jahyunkoo@korea.ac.kr)
polyanhydride, known for its amphiphobic structure. This structure combines both

Citation: Sung D, Lee Y, Han S, et water-trapping and repulsion mechanisms, supported by a high-density network of

al. Amphiphobic encapsulation for hydrogen bonding, that create a barrier against water penetration. The 50-μm layer-
biodegradable electronics.
Int J Bioprint. 2024;10(5):3871. by-layer 3D printing approach enables controlled irradiation, thereby improving the
doi: 10.36922/ijb.3871 lifetime of biodegradable electronics and enhancing their mechanical properties.
Received: June 5, 2024 These advancements broaden the scope of biodegradable electronic applications
Accepted: July 4, 2024 in various fields.
Published Online: August 14, 2024
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). Keywords: 3D printing; Additive manufacturing; Biodegradable electronics;
This is an Open Access article
distributed under the terms of the Amphiphobic; Encapsulation
Creative Commons Attribution
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is
properly cited. 1. Introduction
Publisher’s Note: AccScience Transient electronics can degrade and dissolve in the body or environment after
Publishing remains neutral with operation without leaving any residue. These types of devices are actively researched due
regard to jurisdictional claims in to their potential contribution to hardware security, reduced environmental burden, and
published maps and institutional 1–9
affiliations. temporary implantable devices. In biomedical engineering, transient electronics can

Volume 10 Issue 5 (2024) 307 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3871