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Hydration-stable PVA-based skin phantom for wearable biopotential sensor evaluation.

Robert Lin1, Max Gonzaga1, Christopher L Lewis1

  • 1Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, 1 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA.

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|April 28, 2026
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Biomimetic skin phantoms using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogels now last longer. Adding Aloe Vera and optimizing freeze-thaw cycles significantly improves hydration stability and electrical performance for wearable biosensor testing.

Keywords:
Freeze-thaw cyclesHydration stabilityHydrophilic additivesImpedanceSkin phantomWearable sensors

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Wearable Technology
  • Bioimpedance Measurement

Background:

  • Biomimetic skin phantoms are essential for evaluating wearable biosensors.
  • Hydration instability in phantoms causes unreliable ionic conductivity and impedance.
  • Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogels are used as benchtop analogs but suffer from moisture loss.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To enhance hydration retention and electrical stability in PVA cryogel skin phantoms.
  • To investigate the use of hydrophilic additives and freeze-thaw processing.
  • To extend the functional lifespan of phantoms for repeatable biosensor testing.

Main Methods:

  • Screened seven commercial hydrophilic additives for mass loss reduction and impedance stabilization.
  • Optimized freeze-thaw processing cycles for structural integrity and dehydration minimization.
  • Utilized differential scanning calorimetry to analyze water distribution within the cryogel matrix.

Main Results:

  • Aloe Vera was the most effective additive, extending phantom lifespan from 4 to 18 days.
  • Optimal Aloe Vera concentration was found to be 5.5-6.5% w/w.
  • A single freeze-thaw cycle preserved integrity, while multiple cycles increased instability.

Conclusions:

  • A combined chemical-physical approach significantly extends phantom functional lifespan (>4x).
  • Achieved long-term hydration stability and consistent impedance behavior.
  • Developed a robust phantom for repeatable wearable biosensor testing.