Fabrication of Composite Microneedle Array Electrode for Temperature and Bio-Signal Monitoring

• Published in: Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2018-04, Vol.18 (4), p.1193
• Main Authors: Sun, Yiwei, Ren, Lei, Jiang, Lelun, Tang, Yong, Liu, Bin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arrays; bio-signal; Body temperature; composite electrode; Data acquisition; Electrodes; Mechanical properties; microneedle array; Needles; Signal monitoring; Silver chloride; Skin preparations
• ISSN: 1424-8220; 1424-8220
• DOI: 10.3390/s18041193

Body temperature and bio-signals are important health indicators that reflect the human health condition. However, monitoring these indexes is inconvenient and time-consuming, requires various instruments, and needs professional skill. In this study, a composite microneedle array electrode (CMAE) was designed and fabricated. It simultaneously detects body temperature and bio-signals. The CMAE consists of a 6 × 6 microneedles array with a height of 500 μm and a base diameter of 200 μm. Multiple insertion experiments indicate that the CMAE possesses excellent mechanical properties. The CMAE can pierce porcine skin 100 times without breaking or bending. A linear calibration relationship between temperature and voltage are experimentally obtained. Armpit temperature (35.8 °C) and forearm temperature (35.3 °C) are detected with the CMAE, and the measurements agree well with the data acquired with a clinical thermometer. Bio-signals including EII, ECG, and EMG are recorded and compared with those obtained by a commercial Ag/AgCl electrode. The CMAE continuously monitors bio-signals and is more convenient to apply because it does not require skin preparation and gel usage. The CMAE exhibits good potential for continuous and repetitive monitoring of body temperature and bio-signals.