Implantable and Degradable Wireless Passive Protein-Based Tactile Sensor for Intracranial Dynamic Pressure Detection

Abstract

Implantable sensors normally require devices with excellent biocompatibility and flexibility as well as wireless communication. Silk fibroin (SF) is an ideal material for implantable electronic devices due to its natural biodegradability and biocompatibility. In this work, we prepared SF protein materials with different force/chemical properties through mesoscopic regulation, and realized full protein replacement from substrate to dielectric elastomer for implantable sensors, so as to achieve controlled complete degradation. In wireless tests simulating intracranial pressure, the SF-based all-protein sensor achieved a sensitivity up to 4.44 MHz/mmHg in the pressure range of 0–20 mmHg. In addition, the sensor is insensitive to temperature changes and tissue environments, and can work stably in simulated body fluids for a long time. This work provides a wireless passive, all-protein material solution for implantable pressure sensors.