Wearable Pressure Sensor Based on the Melamine Formaldehyde Resin Sponge with Graphene/MWCNTs/PDMS for Medical Assisting of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by progressive muscle weakness over time and space. Assessing the severity of a patient’s condition and establishing effective communication strategies postloss of speech are vital for providing optimal care to ALS patients. In this article, a capacitive pressure sensor based on the melamine formaldehyde resin sponge (MFRS) and graphene/MWCNTs/PDMS mixture is proposed. The MFRS pressure sensor (MFRSPS) boasts good sensitivity (0.22 kPa–1), wide range (0–500 kPa), rapid response/relaxation time (45 ms/45 ms), and low detection limit (7 Pa). Additionally, it exhibits robust temperature resistance and repeatability (600 cycles under various pressures). Leveraging the impressive performance of the MFRSPS, two distinct systems have been designed for ALS patients: the medical assistive system and the Morse code representation system. The medical assistive system aids in diagnosing the disease, while the Morse code representation system facilitates the patient’s communication with the outside world. This work provides an effective method for accessing the condition of ALS patients, supporting their rehabilitation and enabling their communication with the external environment.