Electronic Memory Devices Can Now Work In Wet Environments

Researchers from USA have succeeded in developing a memory device which can revolutionize biocompatible electronic devices. The newly developed memory is soft and is capable of functioning in wet environments. The electronic memory component has been developed using liquid alloy of gallium and indium metals. It can function in water based gels which are commonly used in biological research.

#-Link-Snipped-#
Electronic Memory Device Works In Wet Environment

Conventional electronic devices are made of materials which do not function properly in wet environments. This imposes a restriction in using these materials in biological researches. Also, these materials are brittle and rigid which furthers limits their usage. Dr Michael Dickey, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at NC State says that the memory device they've developed is soft as well as made to function in wet environment. The memory uses metal alloy as the electrode mounted on either side of the conductive gel. When exposed to positive charge, the electrode creates an oxidized skin which resists the flow of electrons. When exposed to negative charge, the skin disappears and the electrons can flow. The researchers have doped one side of the electrode with a special polymer which prevents the formation of oxidized skin.

The properties of this electronic memory device enables it to be used with cells, enzymes and tissues. The researchers believe that it can be used for biological sensors for medical monitoring.