Biodegradable Medical Implants Dissolve in Water [VIDEO]

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Scientists from the University of Illinois, Tufts University and Northwestern University, have created a new kind of silicon, infused with magnesium and wrapped in silk, that dissolves in water.

In a report the September 28 issue of Science magazine, the research team details the potential range of applications for the silicon-based complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology.

Lead researcher John Rogers, of the University of Illinois, explained his team successfully implanted "physically transient" chips into mice. One real-life medical application that comes from the study involves building dissolvable chips that would allow doctors to monitor bacteria levels within incisions after surgery, to prevent infections. The biodegradable chips could be implanted and set to dissolve on its own -- eliminating the need for a second operation to remove the device.

Biodegradable electronics can also be used in environmental disasters, the researchers said. Monitoring devices can be shipped off to sea and allowed to melt away, lessening environmental waste.