Materials for microfabricated implantable devices: a review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Microtechnology

Background:

• Microfabrication enables miniaturized technology for biomedical implants.
• Microfabricated implantable devices (μID) are crucial for advancing medical treatment and research.
• Developing new μIDs necessitates microtechnologies for safe and accurate in vivo function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review microfabricated implantable device (μID) research.
• To examine the critical role of material choice in μID design and fabrication.
• To discuss the impact of material properties on microfabrication and biocompatibility.

Main Methods:

• Identification of commonly used materials for μID production.
• Presentation of relevant physical properties of selected materials.
• Survey of the current state-of-the-art in μID development.

Main Results:

• Materials commonly used in μID production were identified.
• Physical properties and state-of-the-art applications of these materials were presented.
• The consequences of material choice on microfabrication and biocompatibility were discussed.

Conclusions:

• Material selection is a pivotal factor in the design and fabrication of microfabricated implantable devices (μID).
• The choice between rigid and soft materials significantly influences μID performance and biocompatibility.
• Further research into material properties is essential for advancing μID technology.