A gel-free Ti₃C₂T_x-based electrode array for high-density, high-resolution surface electromyography.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional surface electromyography (EMG) sensors have limitations including high interfacial impedance and poor spatial coverage, often requiring conductive gels or adhesives.
• These limitations hinder the recording of high-fidelity signals and detailed muscle activation across large muscle groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, high-density EMG array that overcomes the limitations of current wearable sensors.
• To leverage the properties of titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene for improved EMG signal acquisition.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a high-density EMG array using ~8 μm thick Ti3C2Tx MXene encapsulated in parylene-C.
• Characterization of the electrode's electrical and mechanical properties, including interfacial impedance with human skin.
• Evaluation of the array's performance in recording EMG signals and resolving muscle activation compared to conventional gelled electrodes.

Main Results:

• The developed Ti3C2Tx-based EMG arrays are gel-free, highly skin-conformable, and feature 16 recording channels.
• Electrode impedance was 100-1000 times lower than commercial gelled electrodes.
• High-fidelity, low-noise EMG signals were recorded, demonstrating improved spatiotemporal resolution and sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Ti3C2Tx MXene is a promising material for creating advanced bioelectronic interfaces for wearable sensing.
• The developed high-density EMG arrays represent a powerful platform technology for high-resolution, non-invasive wearable sensing.
• This technology has the potential to significantly advance wearable health monitoring and human-computer interaction.