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Sensory Functions of the Skin

Sensory Functions of the Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that contribute to the skin's protective function by perceiving physical, biological, and environmental cues and generating relevant responses.
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...

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Bioinspired Soft Robot with Incorporated Microelectrodes

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Skin-inspired, sensory robots for electronic implants.

Wubin Bai¹, Lin Zhang², Sicheng Xing³

¹University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Research Square

|January 10, 2024

Summary

Inspired by nature, soft robots with electronic skin and artificial muscles offer integrated sensing and actuation. These biocompatible, wireless devices show potential for minimally invasive medical applications.

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Area of Science:

Biomimetic robotics
Materials science
Bio-integrated electronics

Background:

Living organisms exhibit seamless integration of motor and sensor units for environmental adaptation.
Existing soft robots often lack integrated sensing and actuation, limiting their functionality.
Biocompatible platforms are crucial for advanced medical implants and devices.

Approach:

Developed a soft robot design coupling electronic skin (e-skin) and artificial muscle.
Utilized an in situ solution-based method to create e-skin with diverse sensing materials (e.g., silver nanowires, graphene oxide, MXene, conductive polymers) in a polyimide matrix.
Incorporated biomimetic designs (starfish, chiral seedpods) for versatile motion (bending, expanding, twisting) and tissue-friendly contact.
Integrated battery-free wireless modules for untethered, safe operation as implants.

Key Points:

The e-skin mimics complex skin receptors for multi-stimuli perception.
Biomimetic designs enable on-demand actuation and secure, gentle tissue interaction.
Wireless, battery-free operation enhances safety and biocompatibility for minimally invasive procedures.
Demonstrated applications include blood pressure monitoring, bladder volume tracking, ingestible pH sensing/drug delivery, and cardiac monitoring/pacing.

Conclusions:

Established a universal strategy for creating integrated soft robots using diverse sensing and responsive materials.
Highlighted the potential of nature-inspired soft robots for advanced medical technology and beyond.
The developed platform offers a versatile solution for minimally invasive diagnostics and therapeutics.