Researchers at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University have developed a device platform that combines electronic components for sensing, medical diagnostics, communications and human-machine interfaces on an ultrathin skin-like patch that mounts directly onto the skin with the ease, flexibility and comfort of a temporary tattoo. The team developed a device geometry they call filamentary serpentine, in which the circuits for the various devices are fabricated as tiny, squiggled wires. When mounted on thin, soft rubber sheets, the wavy, snakelike shape allows them to bend, twist, scrunch and stretch while maintaining functionality.The patches are initially mounted on a thin sheet of water-soluble plastic, then laminated to the skin with water, just like applying a temporary tattoo. Alternately, the electronic components can be applied directly to a temporary tattoo itself, providing concealment for the electronics.
Skin-mounted electronics can not only gather data more easily, but they could provide the wearers with added capabilities. For example, patients with muscular or neurological disorders, such as ALS, could use them to communicate or to interface with computers. The researchers found that, when applied to the skin of the throat, the sensors could distinguish muscle movement for simple speech.Learn more from the University of Illinois.Watch Yonggang Huang of Northwestern University explain the technology.
Electronic Patch Resembles Temporary Tattoo
