Abstract: Provided are methods of making a liquid and liquid vapor-proof material, and relates long-term implantable electronic devices. The method comprises providing a first substrate having a first-side encapsulating layer supported by at least a portion of the first substrate; providing a material onto the first-side encapsulating layer; providing a second substrate having a second-side encapsulating layer supported by at least a portion of the second substrate; covering an exposed surface of the material provided onto the first-side encapsulation layer with the second-side encapsulating layer; wherein said encapsulating layers are substantially defect free so that liquid or liquid vapor is prevented from passing through each of the encapsulating layers; thereby making the liquid or liquid vapor-proof material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for an electrical sensing, pacing, and ablation device comprising a bendable and stretchable balloon catheter and a bendable and stretchable first layer connected to or embedded in said balloon catheter, where the first layer has an electrode array with a plurality of electrodes. The is also a bendable and stretchable second layer connected to or embedded in the balloon catheter, and the second layer has a pressure sensor array with a plurality of pressure sensors.

Abstract: An implantable device for monitoring a physiological status and administering drugs therefor includes at least one drug reservoir for containing at least one drug solution; a delivering member coupled to the at least one drug reservoir for operably delivering the at least one drug solution from the at least one drug reservoir to the living subject; a sensor member for measuring physiological parameters of a living subject so as to monitor a physiological status of the living subject; a wireless communication system for wireless data transmission; a power management system for wireless power harvesting; and a controller coupled to the power management system, the wireless communication system, the sensor member and the delivering member for wireless data transmission and power harvesting; obtaining the physiological status of the living subject, and controlling operations of the delivering member based on the physiological status of the living subject.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable device and method of monitoring wirelessly and continuously thermal conductivity and blood flow on the surface of a target region of a subject. The implantable device comprises a probe operably attached to the target region; and an electronic module coupled with the probe for wireless, real-time, and continuous measurements of physiological information of the target region.

Abstract: Provided is a long-term implantable electronic device comprising a first thermally oxidized laver from a first substrate, wherein the first thermally oxidized laver forms a first encapsulation laver; an electronic component supported by the first encapsulation laver, wherein the electronic component and the first encapsulation laver have an exposed surface relative to the first encapsulation laver; a barrier laver that covers the first encapsulation laver and the electronic component exposed surface; a second thermally oxidized layer from a second substrate, wherein the second thermally oxidized layer forms a second encapsulation laver, and the second encapsulation laver is in contact with the barrier layer. Each of the first and second encapsulation layers, the barrier layer, and the electronic component are flexible or bendable, so that the long-term implantable electronic device is configured to conformally contact with a curved biological surface.

Abstract: A device for reversibly blocking activities of a target region of a subject includes a microfluidic system configured to route a fluid around the target region to change a local temperature of the target region; and an electronic system coupled with the microfluidic system for providing a real-time feedback.

Abstract: An implantable, wireless cardiac hemodynamics monitor system includes a bio-sensing module and a wireless electronic subsystem. The bio-sensing module is implanted in a heart or an artery of the mammal subject to continuously monitor cardiac functions of the mammal subject. The wireless electronic subsystem is implanted between a fat layer and a dermis layer of a skin of the mammal subject and electrically connected to the bio-sensing module through insulated flexible wires. the wireless electronic subsystem is wirelessly communicated to an external wireless power transfer (WPT) module and an external user interface module. In operation, the wireless electronic subsystem is used to wirelessly receive power transferred from the external WPT module, and provide the power to the bio-sensing module; and to obtain sensing signals of the cardiac functions monitored by the bio-sensing module, and wirelessly transmit the sensing signals obtained to the external user interface module.

Abstract: Provided herein are smart functional fabrics and therapeutic/diagnostic garments which utilize flexible wireless electronic devices to enhance functionality, for example, by measuring key therapy parameters and providing data to clinicians, and methods utilizing such devices. The provided methods are designed to avoid patient discomfort and decrease harm or irritation caused by garments which utilize bulkier, more rigid sensors. Additionally, the described devices are multiplexed to allow for sensing of multiple parameters of therapeutic interest and combinations of measured data for new clinical metrics.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatuses and methods for non-invasively measuring physiological parameters of a mammal subject using easily removable flexible electronics, and applications of the same. Specifically, a novel sensor class with a pre-curved architecture and strategically located perforations that may be used in apparatuses and methods for measuring physiological parameters of a mammal subject. Further, adhesive layers are used to attach the sensor systems on the skin of the mammal subject, and each adhesive layer is switchable chemically or physically between an adhesive state and a non-adhesive state, allowing easy removal of the corresponding sensor system from the skin of the mammal subject when being switched to the non-adhesive state.

Abstract: Provided are wireless electronic devices for thermally interfacing with a biological tissue. The device may have a flexible substrate; a thermal actuator supported by said flexible substrate configured to provide a thermal input to said biological tissue; a temperature sensor supported by said flexible substrate configured to measure a temperature to determine thermal conductivity of said biological tissue; and a wireless electronic system in electronic communication with said thermal actuator and said temperature sensor, wherein said wireless electronic system is configured to provide two-way communication with an external controller. Also provided are related methods of using the electronic devices, including for cosmetic, beauty, or medical applications.

Abstract: Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities.

Abstract: This invention in one aspect relates to an acousto-mechanic sensor includes at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU) for operably detecting vibratory and motion signatures of physiological processes; and a plurality of electronic components comprising a microcontroller unit coupled to the at least one IMU for receiving data from the at least one IU and processing the received data, and a wireless communication system for wireless data transmission. The novel acousto-mechanic sensor has broad applications ranging from the assessing the efficacy of drugs for conditions that cause itch to monitoring disease severity and treatment response.

Abstract: A system for stimulating tissue generally comprises a resorbable implant. The resorbable implant includes a substrate, at least one contact, and a transceiver, wherein the substrate, the at least one contact, and the transceiver are resorbable. The system also includes a controller configured to communicate with the transceiver of the resorbable implant and a power supply connected to the controller. The controller delivers power to the resorbable implant from the power supply. The resorbable implant delivers electrical stimulation to tissue when the resorbable implant receives power.

Abstract: An implantable bioresorbable radio frequency (RF) coil for high-resolution and high-specificity post-surgical evaluating or monitoring with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is disclosed. The coil includes a bioresorbable conductor configured to be resorbed within a patient while the coil is implanted in the patient. In one embodiment, the target application of this coil is the evaluation or monitoring (via MRI) of peripheral nerve regeneration following surgical repair.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for fabricating printable semiconductor elements and assembling printable semiconductor elements onto substrate surfaces. Methods, devices and device components of the present invention are capable of generating a wide range of flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices and arrays of devices on substrates comprising polymeric materials. The present invention also provides stretchable semiconductor structures and stretchable electronic devices capable of good performance in stretched configurations.

Abstract: A device implantable on a target of interest of a subject for pacemaker, neuromodulator, and/or defibrillator therapy comprises a wireless power harvesting unit configured to deliver power via resonant inductive coupling to the target tissue for stimulation in a manner that eliminates need for batteries and allows for externalized control without transcutaneous leads. The device relies exclusively on materials that resorb when exposed to biofluids in a time-controlled manner via metabolic action and hydrolysis. The materials and design choices create a thin, flexible, and lightweight form that maintain excellent biocompatibility and stable function throughout a desired period of use. Over a subsequent timeframe following the completion of therapy, the devices disappear completely through natural biological processes.

Abstract: Conventional multimodal bio-sensing demands multiple rigid sensors mounting on the multiple measuring sites at the designated place and during the reserved time. A soft, and conformal device utilizing MEMS accelerometer is a game changer to this tradition. It is suitable for use in a continuous, wearable mode of operation in recording mechano-acoustic signals originated from human physiological activities. The virtue of device, including the multiplex sensing capability, establishes new opportunity space that continuously records high fidelity signal on epidermis ranges from the subtle vibration of the skin on the order of ˜5×10?3 m·s?2 to the large inertia amplitude of the body ˜20 m·s?2, and from static gravity to audio band of 800 Hz. Minimal spatial and temporal constraints of the device that operates beyond the clinical environment would amplify the benefit of unusual mechanics of the electronics.

Abstract: Hydrocephalus and shunt-related expenditures cost the US system over $2 billion dollars in annual expenses, with 125,000 shunt surgeries per year and an untreated mortality rate estimated at 50-60%. Existing diagnostics are expensive, inaccurate, and often harmful or invasive, and can lead to unnecessary admissions, further testing, or needless surgery. Collaborative efforts between Northwestern materials engineers headed by Dr. John Rogers alongside the leadership of neurological surgeons at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Lurie Children's Hospital have produced and validated a noninvasive, thermal biosensor capable of diagnosing ventricular shunt malfunction.

Abstract: A system for stimulating tissue generally comprises a resorbable implant. The resorbable implant includes a substrate, at least one contact, and a transceiver, wherein the substrate, the at least one contact, and the transceiver are resorbable. The system also includes a controller configured to communicate with the transceiver of the resorbable implant and a power supply connected to the controller. The controller delivers power to the resorbable implant from the power supply. The resorbable implant delivers electrical stimulation to tissue when the resorbable implant receives power.

Abstract: This invention discloses a sensor for measuring parameters of sweat from a skin, comprising a flexible structure comprising a fluid passage having inlet and outlet, the flexible structure being detachably attached to the skin and configured such that sweat enters the inlet as the sweat releases from the skin and flows through the fluid passage into the outlet; a thermal actuator disposed on the flexible structure over the fluid passage and configured to operably provide heat to flow of the sweat through the fluid passage; a first thermistor disposed on the flexible structure over the fluid passage between the inlet and the thermal actuator and configured to operably measure a first temperature of the sweat thereon; and a second thermistor disposed on the flexible structure over the fluid passage between the thermal actuator and the outlet and configured to operably measure a second temperature of the sweat thereon.