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Breathable and Stretchable Temperature Sensors Inspired by Skin
Ying Chen1, Bingwei Lu1, Yihao Chen1
11] Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China [2] Center for Mechanics and Materials, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Scientific Reports
|June 23, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed a skin-inspired flexible temperature sensor that is breathable, waterproof, and biocompatible. This wearable electronic device accurately measures body temperature for long-term medical monitoring and artificial skin applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Flexible electronics for healthcare face challenges with skin biocompatibility, breathability, and waterproofing.
- Existing epidermal electronics require improvements to adapt to the skin's physiological environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a biocompatible flexible temperature sensor inspired by skin.
- To achieve excellent air permeability and waterproofing for long-term skin attachment.
- To validate the sensor's accuracy and dynamic response for medical and robotic applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a semipermeable film with porous structures as a substrate for flexible temperature sensors.
- Attached sensors to the underarm and forearm of a volunteer for 24-hour monitoring, including showering.
- Conducted in vitro tests to assess skin compatibility (maceration, stimulation).
- Measured precise skin surface temperature changes due to airflow and water exposure.
Main Results:
- The developed sensor demonstrated excellent air permeability and waterproofing.
- In vitro tests confirmed no skin maceration or stimulation after 24-hour wear.
- The sensor accurately captured dynamic temperature variations on the skin surface.
- Performance was comparable to or better than mercury thermometers.
Conclusions:
- The biocompatible flexible temperature sensor is soft, breathable, and accurate for long-term body temperature sensing.
- This technology shows potential for medical use and as a sensing component for artificial skin.
- The sensor design addresses key limitations of current epidermal electronic devices.
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