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3D Printing of Robust High-Performance Conducting Polymer Hydrogel-Based Electrical Bioadhesive Interface for Soft
Jiawen Yu1, Rongtai Wan1, Fajuan Tian1
1Jiangxi Key Lab of Flexible Electronics, Flexible Electronics Innovation Institute, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330013, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|December 8, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed 3D printable inks for advanced electrical bioadhesive interfaces (EBI). These conducting polymer hydrogel (CPH)-based EBIs offer high performance for wearable devices and neural interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Conducting polymer hydrogel (CPH)-based electrical bioadhesive interfaces (EBIs) show promise for biomedical and wearable applications.
- Conventional fabrication methods limit customization and commercialization of CPH-based EBIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop 3D printable, high-performance CPH-based EBI precursor inks.
- To enable facile fabrication of customized, patterned EBIs using 3D printing technology.
Main Methods:
- Composite engineering of PEDOT:PSS and adhesive ionic macromolecular dopants within PVA hydrogel matrices.
- Utilizing 3D printing for high-resolution, programmable EBI fabrication.
- Employing freeze-thawing post-printing to enhance material properties.
Main Results:
- Achieved high conductivity (1.2 S m⁻¹), low interfacial impedance (20 Ω), high stretchability (349%), superior toughness (109 kJ m⁻³), and strong adhesion.
- Demonstrated facile and continuous manufacturing of EBI skin electrodes via 3D printing.
- Fabricated electrodes showed superior ECG and EMG signal recording capabilities compared to commercial products.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D printable CPH-based EBI inks offer a new pathway for next-generation soft bioelectronics.
- This approach facilitates rational design and fabrication, advancing seamless human-machine integration.
