Microgel‐Based Devices as Wearable Capacitive Electronic Skins for Monitoring Cardiovascular Risks

• Published in: Advanced materials technologies 2020-02, Vol.5 (2), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Xia, Xiangjiao, Zhang, Xieli, Serpe, Michael J., Zhang, Qiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: capacitance; electronic skins; microgels; tactile sensors; wearable sensors
• ISSN: 2365-709X; 2365-709X
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.201900818

A strategy is developed for preparing wearable electronic skins (e‐skins) to obtain multiple outputs and realize superhigh sensitivity. In this work, e‐skins are fabricated using colloidal photonic crystals, in which a single layer of microgels is used as a deformation component. The special structure of the e‐skins allows dual outputs of optical and electronic signals in response to pressure changes. The single‐layer structure of the microgel film allows the e‐skin a high‐pressure sensitivity (10.1 kPa−1) and low minimum detection pressure (2 Pa), which enables it to monitor cardiovascular risks in a wearable style. For example, pulse beat spectrum is recorded using the e‐skin, and arterial stiffness index is obtained from the pulse beat spectrum. More importantly, the sensor is used in diagnosing a volunteer with an aneurysm by monitoring his apex beat. The detection results are wirelessly sent to a smartphone by Bluetooth and are displayed through home‐made software. This makes it very convenient to use at home or in the office. A photonic e‐skin with high sensitivity is fabricated by sandwiching a single layer of microgels between two Ag films, which is successfully used to detect an individual's pulse by attaching the sensor to their wrist. The sensor is used to monitor the apex beat in a wearable style.