A Scalable Laser‐Centric Fabrication of an Epidermal Cardiopulmonary Patch

Abstract

Recent advances in scalable fabrication methods based on printing technologies have improved the yield and lowered the cost of manufacturing epidermal sensors. However, modern technologies still require expensive multi‐bio‐ink raw materials. A laser‐centric fabrication method that realizes a cost‐effective, scalable, and streamlined fabrication process with easily used material and equipment is reported. The fabricated epidermal patch can quickly respond to the demands of personalized models. Here, the epidermal sensor patch is applied to continuous monitoring of the human cardiopulmonary system. The sensor performs conventional bio‐signal monitoring but is also extendible to other monitoring forms. The patch provides enhanced functions through its gas‐permeable and skin‐adhesive microporous layer and its stretchable, conformal, and biocompatible multimodal sensing layer. The utility of the proposed sensor patch in clinical diagnosis in a mobile healthcare environment is demonstrated in multiple bio‐signal‐morphology analyses.

Advances and Opportunities of Mobile Health in the Postpandemic Era: Smartphonization of Wearable Devices and Wearable Deviceization of Smartphones

“…(B) Epidermal cardiopulmonary patch based on laser fabrication. The images were reprinted from Rachim et al [ 41 ]. (C) Air-silicon composite transducer (ASiT) for breathing pattern monitoring.…”

“…Thorax-related wearable electronics, such as patches, chest belts, and brassieres, enable ECG recording, temperature measurement, sleep monitoring, posture analysis, and galvanic skin response (GSR) assessment [11,41,[44][45][46][47][48]. Figure 3B [41] shows a sensor designed for continuous monitoring of the cardiopulmonary biosignal via a CO 2 laser-based manufacturing process.…”

“…Thorax-related wearable electronics, such as patches, chest belts, and brassieres, enable ECG recording, temperature measurement, sleep monitoring, posture analysis, and galvanic skin response (GSR) assessment [11,41,[44][45][46][47][48]. Figure 3B [41] shows a sensor designed for continuous monitoring of the cardiopulmonary biosignal via a CO 2 laser-based manufacturing process. The epidermal patch consisting of a mechanoacoustic sensor and electrophysiological electrodes provides advanced functionality through a gas-permeable and biocompatible layer.…”

Integrating computer vision and a strain sensor for human–machine interfaces with enhanced versatility and scalability

“…Soft strain sensors typically utilize changes in the electrical resistance or capacitance induced by deformation of their shape. Various piezoresistive-and piezocapacitive-type flexible strain sensors have been suggested using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12), nanoparticles (13)(14)(15), nanowires (16)(17)(18), thin metal films (19)(20)(21), conductive polymers (22,23), or laser-induced graphene (LIG) (24)(25)(26)(27) as the conductive layer. Although these sensors differ in their materials and fabrication methods, they show large working ranges and high sensitivity compared with conventional metallic sensors.…”

Rationale and Design of a Wearable Cardiopulmonary Monitoring System for Improving the Efficiency of Critical Care Monitoring

“…Monitoring various human vital signs offers valuable insights into pathological status, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of clinical diagnosis and treatment [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Especially in critical care management, monitoring cardiopulmonary functions is crucial for assessing disease status and determining appropriate treatment.…”