Media : MDM Lab

Eco-Degradable Soft Surgical Robots: From Sterilization and Multimodal Sensing to Compost Degradation

What if surgical robots could work reliably during surgery—and then safely return to the environment after use?

A research team at Seoul National University has developed an eco-degradable, sterilizable soft surgical robot platform that combines soft, tissue-compatible polymer structures with transient tactile and temperature sensors.

Designed for next-generation disposable surgical tools, this platform demonstrates reliable performance across the full clinical lifecycle: ethylene oxide sterilization before use, repeated pneumatic actuation during operation, real-time multimodal sensing, short-term biocompatibility, and compostable end-of-life degradation.

This work presents a new approach to sustainable surgical robotics, where medical devices can support safe and functional tissue interaction while reducing the environmental burden of single-use surgical tools.

Advanced Functional Materials (2026)

Laser-Triggerable Elastomeric Composites for Soft Electronics and Robotics

We developed a laser-triggerable silicone elastomer composite for transient electronics and transformable soft robotics.

The composite integrates photothermal Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with a thermally activated fluoride generator (DPI-HFP), enabling rapid thermochemical decomposition upon femtosecond laser irradiation.

The system demonstrates remote, on-demand liquefaction under low-power laser exposure while maintaining excellent stretchability and mechanical robustness before triggering.

We further demonstrated applications in secure stretchable electronic systems and shape-shifting soft robotic actuators with remotely reconfigurable motion.

This work presents a promising pathway toward remotely controllable transient electronics and adaptive soft robotic systems.

Soft Science 6, 47 (2026)

Dual-Mode Magnetic Elastomer for On-Demand Motion and Degradation

We developed a dual-mode magnetic elastomer that can both move and degrade through magnetic-field switching.

Driven by DC and AC magnetic field modes, the material enables remote soft actuation and rapid degradation while maintaining high stretchability (>460%).

We showcased its potential in a magnetically controlled pipe-cleaning soft robot and a transient switch for selective LED control.

This work presents a promising pathway toward mission-completing soft robots, secure transient electronics, and lifecycle-aware smart materials.

Advanced Functional Materials (2026)

Biodegradable Yet Million-Cycle Durable Soft Robotic Fingers

We developed fully biodegradable soft robotic fingers that integrate biodegradable structures with transient electronic components.

The system demonstrates exceptional durability, operating for over 1 million actuation cycles, while integrating multimodal sensors (curvature, strain, tactile, temperature, humidity, pH) and active components such as heaters, electrical stimulators, and drug delivery modules.

After use, the robot and its electronics degrade under composting conditions, and the resulting materials were shown to support plant growth.

This work demonstrates a promising pathway toward zero-waste soft robotics and sustainable electronic systems.

Nature Sustainability (2026)

UV-Triggered Rapid & Cascading Degradation of Silicone Elastomer

We developed a UV-triggered silicone elastomer that rapidly and completely degrades via a fluoride amplification cascade—even deep inside the material. This system maintains high elasticity (>450%) and works even with UV-blocking fillers like magnetic particles.

We showcased it in a soft robot that moves wirelessly and vanishes on-demand.

Perfect for transient robotics, secure electronics, and self-erasing systems.

Advanced Science (2025): e02056.

Wireless Dual-Phoretic Drug Delivery System

Experience the next generation of precision medicine with our dual-phoretic wireless implant for cancer therapy. This fully implantable system harnesses electrophoresis and iontophoresis to deliver anticancer drugs deep into solid tumors—with over 4× higher efficiency and minimal side effects.

Wirelessly powered via Near-Field Communication (NFC) and operable without external wiring, the device integrates drug storage, release, penetration, and dosing into a single biodegradable-ready platform.

Say goodbye to systemic toxicity and hello to localized, programmable, and patient-friendly cancer treatment.

Science Advances 11 (2025): eads9269

Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable Fiber Electronics

Experience next-generation sustainable electronics with our fully biodegradable and mass-producible fiber platform!

This innovative fiber integrates high conductivity, flexibility, and washing durability, all while naturally degrading in soil or enzyme-rich environments. By combining tungsten microparticles with a PBAT matrix and a flexible PBTPA coating, the fiber powers wearable devices such as temperature sensors, EMG electrodes, and wireless coils — then safely disappears after use. A scalable solution for truly disposable electronics, from smart textiles to eco-friendly healthcare patches.

npj Flexible Electronics 9 (2025): 62

Brain-Computer Interface (Self-deployable Brain Tent)

Our research "Biodegradable, Self-deployable Electronic Tent for Brain Cortex Interfacing" (Nature Electronics (2024): 1-14) was promoted on the official YouTube channel of Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University.

Eco-friendly and Biodegradable Electrochromic Display

Discover the future of sustainable electronics with our fully biodegradable electrochromic display! ???? This innovative display showcases signals from biodegradable devices like UV sensors and electrochemical transistors, all while operating at low voltage with enhanced stability. Crafted using a tungsten nanomesh and PLGA substrate, it ensures minimal environmental impact and degrades naturally in phosphate-buffered saline or soil under mild conditions. Say goodbye to electronic waste and hello to eco-friendly technology!

npj Flexible Electronics 8.1 (2024): 72

Biodegradable Ultra-Sensitive Strain Sensor: Real-Time Vascular Monitoring

An Ultra-sensitive biodegradable crack-based strain sensor (GF 1355 at 1.5% strain) was developed for real-time micro-deformation detection. It combines a Mo layer, MoO₃ adhesion layer, and PCL substrate, with a hybrid encapsulation layer (C-wax, B-wax, PBAT) for enhanced water resistance and flexibility. In vivo tests confirmed its ability to monitor vascular pulsation for up to three days.

Advanced Functional Materials, 34.41 (2024): 2406035

Biodegradable, Self-deployable Electronic Tent for Brain Cortex Interfacing

We introduce a biodegradable, self-deploying tent electrode for brain cortex interfacing. It integrates with multiplexing arrays and a wireless module for near-field communication. Delivered via a syringe through a small hole, it expands to cover 200 times its original size. The electrode naturally decomposes in the body, avoiding the need for removal surgery. In vivo tests demonstrate its effectiveness in stimulating large cortical activity populations.

Nature Electronics 7.9 (2024): 815-828

Photo-Degradable, Magnetic Origami Robots

We have developed a remotely operable soft robot that can be disassembled upon exposure to light, utilizing silicone-based polymers and magnetic particles that can be decomposed. For detailed technology, please refer to

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 16.10 (2024): 13139-13149

Ecofriendly Transfer Printing for Biodegradable Electronics

We have developed an eco-friendly transfer printing process for biodegradable electronic devices through joint research. The key to this research lies in the precise control of the density of adhesion-tunable self-assembled monolayers, allowing for the mass production of electronic devices on the same substrate without additional surface treatment after transfer printing. The researchers predict that the developed materials and device manufacturing process can serve as a starting point for a new mass production process for biodegradable electronic devices, leading to more eco-friendly manufacturing techniques.

Advanced Functional Materials 34.6 (2024): 2310612

Photo-Degradable Soft Robots using Silicone Elastomeric Composite

We've developed soft robots that maintain high elasticity and can degrade under ultraviolet light, offering potential military applications for discreet operations and surveillance. These robots effectively self-dispose after temporary tasks, reducing environmental impact and enhancing exploration in hazardous areas and hardware security.

Science Advances 9.34 (2023): eadh9962

Biodegradable Mg3Zn for Transient Electronics

We proposed a biodegradable single-phase Mg3Zn alloy using sputtering process and applied it to transient electronics devices with improved corrosion resistivity and uniformity.

Jornal of Magnesium and Alloys 11.9 (2023): 3241-3254

Electroceuticals for Regeneration of Long Nerve Gap

We have developed an electroceuticals that can treat nerve injury with long defect through wireless electrical stimulation and biodegradable conductive conduits. For more details, please refer to the cited journal:

Advanced Science 10.24 (2023): 2302632

Biodegradable Metallic Glass for Stretchable Electronics

Here we provide the materials strategy to have biodegradability and stretchability with good electrical conductivity. Metallic glass with biodegradable element is the one potential solution.

Advanced Science 8.10 (2021): 2004029.

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