Advanced electronic skin devices for healthcare applications

J Mater Chem B. 2019 Jan 14;7(2):173-197. doi: 10.1039/c8tb02862a. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Abstract

Electronic skin, a kind of flexible electronic device and system inspired by human skin, has emerged as a promising candidate for wearable personal healthcare applications. Wearable electronic devices with skin-like properties will provide platforms for continuous and real-time monitoring of human physiological signals such as tissue pressure, body motion, temperature, metabolites, electrolyte balance, and disease-related biomarkers. Transdermal drug delivery devices can also be integrated into electronic skin to enhance its non-invasive, real-time dynamic therapy functions. This review summarizes the recent progress in electronic skin devices for applications in human health monitoring and therapy systems as well as several potential mass production technologies such as inkjet printing and 3D printing. The opportunities and challenges in broadening the applications of electronic skin devices in practical healthcare are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Biomedical and Dental Materials / therapeutic use
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods*
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Biomedical and Dental Materials