RESORB major breakthroughs:
• Validated bioresorbable components
– Receptors: Molecularly imprinted polypyrrole (d-MIPs) and HSA coatings with >90 % selectivity for doxorubicin (DOXO) over other chemotherapeutics.
– Optical transducers: Nanoporous SiO2 (nPSiO2)/PLGA membranes providing ≈125× fluorescence gain and agarose-based optical fibers extrudable in vivo.
– Sensors: High-sensitivity DOXO detection using d-MIP/nPSiO2 (LoD = 2.7 ng mL⁻¹, ISF), HSA/nPSiO2 (LoD = 3.4 ng mL⁻¹), and HSA–agarose fibers (LoD = 0.7 ng mL⁻¹, PBS; 0.14 ng mL⁻¹, ISF).
– Light source & power: Optimized OLED (λ ≈ 521 nm, EQE ≈ 0.9 %, L ≈ 1246 cd m⁻² @ 5 V) and Na-ion microbattery (1–1.25 V, ≈ 7 mAh cm⁻², rechargeable).
– Encapsulation: MC/PEG/PAA hydrogel showing reversible gel–sol transition at ≈ 25 °C for on-demand dissolution.
• In-vivo demonstration
Accurate DOXO detection (0.1–2 µg mL⁻¹) in mice; full sensor resorption within 3 months; no systemic or local toxicity (ALT/AST normal).
• Contingency innovation
A wearable optical reader patch enabled transdermal interrogation and wireless data transfer, ensuring full functionality despite the unavailability of a biodegradable RF-switch.
• Scientific output
12 peer-reviewed papers (including Nat. Rev. Electr. Eng. 2025), > 5 under review, > 90 presentations, > 15 invited lectures, and > 70 open-access items (datasets, protocols, deliverables) on Zenodo.
• Technology readiness
Advanced TRL from 2 to 4, establishing Europe’s first validated bioresorbable optoelectronic sensing platform.
Impact
Economic Impact
• Intellectual Property: Four patents filed—optical fibers (EP 24209472.2) Na-ion microbattery (EP 24306269.2 EP 23170468.5) and drug-sensing device (P1215IT00); one additional patent (die-cast electrodes) in preparation.
• Industrial Collaboration: Partnership with ab medica S.p.A. for co-development of a wireless clinical reader, confirming early market interest.
• Follow-up Funding: Two EIC Transition and two Pathfinder Open proposals (one funded – ALERT ID 101257530). UNIPI also joined the MSCA Doctoral Industrial Network INTROS, reinforcing research and training capacity in transient bioelectronics.
• Market Outlook: Targets the > € 5 billion (by 2030) biodegradable implantable biosensor market.
• Economic Benefit: Hybrid wearable–implant design lowers healthcare costs by avoiding explant surgery and reducing recovery time.
Societal Impact
• Patient Acceptance: Survey of 104 oncology patients (Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa) showed ≈ 70 % willingness to adopt implantable bioresorbable sensors for personalized chemotherapy.
• Public Engagement: > 10 press releases, 4 TV features (TG Leonardo, Sky TG 24), 1 radio feature, participation in EU Researchers’ Night 2022–23 (> 100 participants).
• Digital Reach: > 12 000 website impressions and > 800 social-media interactions.
• Environmental & Health Benefits: Fully resorbable devices eliminate removal surgeries and biomedical waste, aligning with the EU Green Deal.
• Scientific Leadership: Organization of MRS Spring Meeting 2025 Symposium “Degradable Materials and Devices” (≈ 70 participants, 40 speakers) confirmed Europe’s leadership in transient bioelectronics.
