DARPA researchers are building a system of dissolvable, biocompatible electronics that could be put to use in implantable medical treatments.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) researchers are building a system of dissolvable, biocompatible electronics that could be put to use in implantable medical treatments.

Made of ultrathin sheets of silicon and magnesium encapsulated in silk, the components combine to become a water-soluble material that will dissolve in a matter of days, hours, or minutes.

By tweaking the thickness and crystallinity of the silk, scientists can determine how long the electronics will take to dissolve.

The technology can be used to create an implantable device that would serve as a non-antibiotic, programmable bactericide, according to DARPA. It would dissolve harmlessly into the body, where low levels of silicon and magnesium are naturally occurring. The biocompatible components can prevent surgical site infection and offer remote patient care without extraction surgery  perfect for overseas soldiers.

"Transient electronics applied to localized antimicrobial therapy would be a major advance," DARPA program manager Alicia Jackson said in a statement.

Transistors, diodes, inductors, capacitors, and resistors, all implanted onto a thin silk substrate will dissolve organically in liquid, avoiding localized infection, which Jackson points out is a limitation with current implanted devices like pacemakers and artificial joints.

"Applying thin film appliqués to implant devices for localized surface heating and sterilization may help counter these infections, even when antibiotic resistant bacteria are present," she said. "Having means of eradicating infections could enhance the efficacy of many implant devices and ultimately reduce patient morbidity and mortality."

This month alone, DARPA has unveiled two robot projects aimed at helping soldiers in the field. The Legged Squad Support System (L3), or can walk up to 20 miles carrying 400 pounds of gear, allowing military members a break from carrying their heavy packs around rugged terrain.

Meanwhile, the agency's ran a 20-meter split at 28.3 mph, faster than the world record for a human, set in 2009 by Usain Bolt, who reached a peak speed of 27.78 mph.

Check out the video below to see DARPA's dissolving medical chip in action. Also see PCMag's 7 Cool Animal Robots slideshow above.