Researchers discover that some biodegradable electronics produce microplastics as they degrade — the investigated material is commonly used in medical research

Researchers at Northeastern University have found that common materials used in biodegradable electronics can decompose into microplastics, posing a threat to the environment even after disposal. According to a study published in npj Flexible Electronics, PEDOT:PSS, used in medical research, can take up to eight years to dissolve and may break down into microplastics, potentially causing health issues. On the other hand, materials such as cellulose and silk fibroin degrade rapidly and do not release harmful byproducts.

The two team members, Electrical and Computer Engineering Prof. Ravinder Dahiya and researcher Sofia Sandhu, used a partially degradable pressure sensor and a fully degradable photodetector to study the effects of the materials employed.

“You have to look at these materials carefully,” Prof. Dahiya told TechXplore. “Normally at the end of their life, electronics are dumped into the soil. When you put an electronic board in soil, we need to understand if the electronic board, during the degradation process, in enriching the soil or if the soil is unaffected. In some cases, degradation might damage the soil permanently, and that is a big environmental and health issue.”

Biodegradable electronics are rising in popularity, especially as the world consumes more and more semiconductors, chips, and other devices. This burgeoning demand is putting a strain on resources, especially as TSMC and other fabs race to supply the massive demand from AI, consumer electronics, and more. While many studies focus on the production side, which requires billions of liters of water and is mixed with harmful chemicals to satisfy the needs of the market, the end-of-life of these items is often ignored.

Aside from the byproducts and chemicals that electronics break down into after they’re discarded, another study examines the carbon dioxide they emit. Monika Swami, another doctoral student in Prof. Dahiya’s lab, is studying how much CO2 is generated as the organic compounds in transient electronics decompose. While the CO2 output of these items might be minuscule for just one electric board, the massive amount of e-waste humanity has accumulated, which is estimated to be around 60 million metric tons today, will have an outsized impact on our health and environment.

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