South Korean researchers have developed a biodegradable memory device that dissolves in water. Scientists at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) combined strong data storage capabilities and full biodegradability.

The memory chip can be safely implanted in the human body and is designed to degrade only when needed. The researchers can control the thickness and composition to control when degradation begins. Once the outer layer dissolves, the material vanishes in water in about three days, leaving no residue behind.

The new molecular structure is called PCL-TEMPO, which combines TEMPO -- a functional organic molecule capable of storing electrical information-with polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polymer. This novel design enables both electrical signal storage and natural degradation to be achieved within a single molecular system.