Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have came up with a technique for building flexible electronic skin patches for body monitoring of various electrophysiological signals, along with skin temperature, hydration, and respiratory rate. The process relies on the “cut and paste” technology that allows for bringing various components together using stretchable metal and conductive polymer ribbons faster than ever before. This in turn should reduce the time needed to produce such devices from days to approximately twenty minutes; what’s more, the team is confident that these manufacturing methods can be transferred to print out smart skin patches in large quantities.
The production process is a type of freeform manufacturing, which is a sort of reverse 3D printing during which material is removed to result in a final product. The technique does not require expensive equipment that is typically used to create flexible electronic skin patches.
The production process is a type of freeform manufacturing, which is a sort of reverse 3D printing during which material is removed to result in a final product.A layer of metal is placed over a polymer sheet and a mechanical cutter etches patterns into it. Then, electronic components are printed into the appropriate places on top of the polymer.
The researchers have already tested these patches, and have managed to capture high quality ECG signals and demonstrate high flexibility and adhesion to skin folds. The next steps include trying to integrate other sensors into the patches and move forward to bringing this technology into clinical use.
This isn’t the first flexible technology we’ve seen – previously we’ve reported about Imprint Energy’s flexible battery that also promises to revolutionize wearable technology.
[Via: Medgadget]