Photolithography-Based Microfabrication of Biodegradable Flexible and Stretchable Sensors.

Biodegradable sensors based on integrating conductive layers with polymeric materials in flexible and stretchable forms have been established. However, the lack of a generalized microfabrication method resulted in large-sized, low spatial density, and low device yield compared to the silicon-based devices manufactured via batch-compatible microfabrication processes. Here, we present a batch fabrication-compatible photolithography-based microfabrication approach for biodegradable and highly miniaturized essential sensor components on flexible and stretchable substrates. We fabricated up to 1600 devices within a 1 cm 2 footprint and then demonstrated the functionality of various biodegradable passive electrical components, mechanical sensors, and chemical sensors on flexible and stretchable substrates. The results were highly repeatable and consistent, proving the proposed method's high device yield and high-density potential. This simple, innovative, and robust fabrication recipe allows complete freedom over the applicability of various biodegradable materials with different properties toward the unique application of interests. Our process offers a route to utilize standard micro-fabrication procedures toward scalable fabrication of highly miniaturized flexible and stretchable transient sensors and electronics. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.