Overview

• The material, named PCL-TEMPO, pairs a data-storing organic radical (TEMPO) with biodegradable polycaprolactone to combine performance and natural decay.
• Tests showed the memory device distinguishes on/off states for over one million cycles, retains data for more than 10,000 seconds, and endures 250 write-erase cycles and 3,000 bends without failure.
• Engineers can tune the onset of degradation by adjusting the thickness and composition of a protective layer, ensuring biocompatibility and safe use in medical implants.
• Applications span disposable healthcare monitors, self-dissolving surgical implants, eco-friendly data storage and one-time military reconnaissance tools.
• The team plans to advance the technology into intelligent transient electronics by integrating self-healing and photo-responsive functions.