Biodegradable Electronics in the Semiconductor Era

#Biodegradable #bio-derived #low-temp #flex #packaging #encapsulation

Co-Sponsored by the OEB/SCV SSIT Chapter and the SCV/OEB/SF EPS Chapter

The semiconductor era has transformed modern life, yet, as electronic technologies become increasingly pervasive, their environmental footprint, short product lifecycles, and growing contribution to global e-waste present a critical challenge. In this context, biodegradable electronics is emerging as a complementary paradigm for specific classes of future devices where transient operation, material sustainability, and responsible end-of-life are essential. 
This talk will examine how biodegradable electronics can be positioned within the broader semiconductor ecosystem through innovations in functional materials, low-temperature processing, flexible device platforms, and sustainable integration strategies. Particular emphasis will be placed on biodegradable and bio-derived substrates, piezoelectric and conductive material systems, as well as their relevance to packaging, sensor platforms, and distributed electronic applications. The discussion will highlight how principles from semiconductor science and engineering can be extended beyond the chip toward greener system-level design, including interface materials, encapsulation, and degradation-aware architectures.