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Updated: May 20, 2026
06:21
A Simple and Scalable Fabrication Method for Organic Electronic Devices on Textiles
Published on: March 13, 2017
Free-Form Three-Dimensional Integrated Circuits on a Thread Using Organic Eutectogel-Gated Electrochemical
Wenxin Zeng1,2, Rachel E Owyeung1,2,3, Nafize Ishtiaque Hossain1,2
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tufts University, 171 College Avenue, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed novel 3D integrated circuits on a single textile thread. This breakthrough offers highly flexible electronics and discrete integration for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Current flexible electronics are often planar and noticeable.
- There is a need for more integrated and flexible electronic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new paradigm for free-form 3D integrated circuits (ICs) on a textile thread.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of using eutectogels as dielectrics for organic electrochemical transistors.
- To showcase the potential for complex analog ICs and wearable sensing devices.
Main Methods:
- Assembly of millimeter-scale transistors in daisy chains on a textile thread.
- Utilization of deep eutectic solvent gels (eutectogels) as nonvolatile dielectrics for Organic Eutectogel-Gated Electrochemical Transistors (OEGETs).
- Fabrication of complex analog ICs, including amplifiers, and an all-thread-based wearable device.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated stable transistor performance using eutectogels without encapsulation.
- Successfully realized complex analog ICs capable of folding and bending out-of-plane.
- Developed an all-thread-based device for monitoring eye motion and respiration.
Conclusions:
- OEGETs are a promising candidate for advanced flexible electronics.
- Thread-based ICs enable true 3D flexibility and discrete integration.
- This technology has potential applications in wearable sensors and flexible electronic systems.
