Embodiments include microelectrodes including a flexible shank and a bioabsorbable material surrounding the flexible shank. The flexible shank can include a flexible substrate, a circuit, and a plurality of sensors. Embodiments also include a methods of forming flexible active electrode arrays including depositing a flexible polymer on a substrate. The methods also include forming a plurality of sensors on the flexible polymer and attaching a silicon-based chip to the flexible shank. The methods also include coating the flexible shank in a bioabsorbable material and cutting the shank and a portion of the bioabsorbable material from the substrate.