DermalECG: Multifunctional Organohydrogel for Real-Time ECG Monitoring and Wound Healing on Burned Skin

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Monitoring
• Wound Healing Technologies

Background:

• Conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes pose risks on thermally damaged skin, hindering vital sign assessment in burn patients.
• Effective ECG monitoring is crucial for early cardiovascular disease detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional DermalECG electrode capable of monitoring ECG signals on compromised skin.
• To investigate the electrode's potential to accelerate burn wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized an organohydrogel using a freeze-thaw process with tannic acid, carboxymethyl chitosan, and galinstan in a polyvinyl alcohol network.
• Characterized the electrode's electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, self-adhesion, and environmental stability.
• Evaluated ECG signal acquisition on various skin conditions, including burned skin and at extreme temperatures.

Main Results:

• The DermalECG electrode demonstrated high electrical conductivity (1.80 S/m), mechanical strength (818% strain), and self-adhesion.
• Achieved a high signal-to-noise ratio (∼33 dB) for ECG monitoring on burned skin and across temperatures (-20°C-50°C).
• Showcased accelerated wound healing with an 87.39% closure ratio in 10 days.

Conclusions:

• The developed DermalECG electrode offers a safe and effective solution for ECG monitoring on thermally damaged skin.
• Its dual functionality of ECG monitoring and wound healing acceleration presents a significant advancement for burn patient care.
• This technology holds promise for long-term, continuous healthcare monitoring applications.