Epidermal sensors

Introduction

Epidermal systems based on ultra-thin and flexible electronics are promising next-generation wearable platforms that enable close monitoring of physiological and physical signals in real time. Because of the conformal contact with the skin, the epidermal systems offer competitive advantages over conventional wearable sensors including enhanced user comfort, access to diverse physiological signals, and on-demand therapeutic intervention directly through the skin. 

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What is problem and why is it important?

In the case of chronic diseases, it is required to constant monitoring and treatment systems so called ‘closed-loop system’. Therefore, the epidermal electronics are one of the systems suitable for these needs. In order to implement a closed-loop systems applying epidermal electronics,  we should solve several problems of the following three major parts which are the major components to consist epidermal electronics; interface, sensor and circuit parts. At the interface part, because epidermal electronics read physiological signals through human skin, the robust adhesion, conformal contact and biocompatibility are required. In addition, at the sensor part, the performance of the epidermal sensors is important due to low amplitude of physiological signals and overlapping multiple signals. To monitoring physiological signals chronically, wireless transfer and flexible circuit systems are required at circuit parts. 

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Our approach

In our lab, we are focused on realization of closed-loop system that allows monitoring and treatment of chronic diseases utilizing epidermal electronics.

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