Introduction – To trace the working and usage of micro-sensors in today’s time then they have been used in almost many different applications that help in detecting poisonous gases. They are also integrated into miniaturized transmitter/receiver systems, such as device name ubiquitous RFID chips. However, as the sensors often contain special metals that are harmful to both the surroundings and human health, they are not sustainable for medical applications including direct contact with the human body or for involving in food products. Therefore the scientist and inventors need to have a high level of interest both in research and industry, in developing micro-sensors build from non-toxic materials that are also biodegradable.
Illustration – Few nameable biodegradable micro-sensors components that have been used are Magnesium wire and compostable polymer, thinner than a single hair filament, biosensors will become commonplace etc. Here are the descriptions of them in detail.
Wire and Polymer – There have been team of researcher who have been working with many other scientists from many renowned institute based on the development of biodegradable microsensors for temperature measurement. The scientist reported in many international and national journals.
The making of biocompatible microsensors can be defined as those, which are created by enclosing a superfine, with a tightly wound electrical filament built of magnesium, silicon dioxide and nitride in a compostable polymer. Magnesium is a significant component for human diet, while silicon dioxide and nitride are biocompatible and dissolvable in water. The polymer in question is produced from corn and potato starch, with the composition of EU and International foodstuff legislation.
Single hair filament – The sensors developed by the researchers is only 16 micrometres thick, making it much thinner than a human hair (100 micrometres) and being only a few millimetres in length which weighs not more than a fraction of a milligram. If to talk about the current form, then the sensors dissolves completely in a one-percent saline solution over the time period of 67 days. In the present scenario, the sensor continues to function for one day when completely submersed in water (liquid). This time it would be easier to monitor or supervise the shipment of fish between the international and national countries, states and areas. But the scientists talk about the relativity easy to extend the operating life by adjusting the thickness of polymer. At present the sensor is very thin that continues to function even if it is completely crumpled or folded.
Biosensors will become commonplace – The one simple drawback of this biocompatible microsensor is currently a very time-consuming and expensive process. However the scientists are very confident about this invention and it is possible to produce such sensors for the mass market, especially as the methods of printing electronic increasingly sophisticated. The sensors present in the link between the physical and digital world, bringing food products into the “internet of Things”. A lot more research is required before these components can be used without concerns for human health or the environment.