Inflammation-free, gas-permeable, lightweight, stretchable on-skin electronics with nanomeshes

Nat Nanotechnol. 2017 Sep;12(9):907-913. doi: 10.1038/nnano.2017.125. Epub 2017 Jul 17.

Abstract

Thin-film electronic devices can be integrated with skin for health monitoring and/or for interfacing with machines. Minimal invasiveness is highly desirable when applying wearable electronics directly onto human skin. However, manufacturing such on-skin electronics on planar substrates results in limited gas permeability. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically investigate their long-term physiological and psychological effects. As a demonstration of substrate-free electronics, here we show the successful fabrication of inflammation-free, highly gas-permeable, ultrathin, lightweight and stretchable sensors that can be directly laminated onto human skin for long periods of time, realized with a conductive nanomesh structure. A one-week skin patch test revealed that the risk of inflammation caused by on-skin sensors can be significantly suppressed by using the nanomesh sensors. Furthermore, a wireless system that can detect touch, temperature and pressure is successfully demonstrated using a nanomesh with excellent mechanical durability. In addition, electromyogram recordings were successfully taken with minimal discomfort to the user.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biocompatible Materials / adverse effects
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Bioengineering / instrumentation
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electromyography / instrumentation*
  • Electronics, Medical / instrumentation*
  • Gases / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Nanostructures / adverse effects
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation
  • Permeability
  • Skin* / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Gases