Degradable, silyl ether thiol–ene networks

A system of multifunctional silyl ether containing alkene and thiol monomers are synthesized and polymerized into uniform degradable networks with widely tunable thermomechanical properties. The glass transition temperature of the hydrolytically unstable networks can be controlled between -60 degrees C and 40 degrees C. Near total degradation is observed and the rate of degradation is controlled to occur between hours and months. Dynamic mechanical analysis, mass loss, uniaxial compression testing, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry are utilized to characterize the degradation of these networks. Importantly, this system of materials allows for rapid hydrolytic degradation that is not preceded by swelling. These degradable polymers are demonstrated to be compatible with microfabrication techniques, namely photolithography. As a demonstration, partially biodegradable cortical electrodes were fabricated and electrochemically characterized on silyl ether substrates.