Sensors Printed Directly on the Skin

Wearable sensors are evolving from watches and electrodes to bendable devices that provide far more precise biometric measurements and comfort for users. Now, an international team of researchers has taken the evolution one step further by printing sensors directly on human skin without the use of heat.

An international team of researchers, including Penn State University, has succeeded in printing wearable sensors that can accurately and continuously monitor temperature, humidity, blood oxygen levels, and heart performance signals on the skin at room temperature.

Overcoming the heat barrier required to sinter the sensors on the skin by designing an interface material containing calcium carbonate, the team published details on their new technologies in the journal of ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

The technology, designed to be easily removed from the skin using only water, is a significant improvement in the health monitoring of people with sensitive skin, such as the elderly and babies.

Reference: Zhang L, et al. Wearable Circuits Sintered at Room Temperature Directly on the Skin Surface for Health Monitoring. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2020 Oct 7;12(40):45504-45515. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c11479