Bioelectrical Skin Patch Advances e-Health

A miniature paper-thin patch measures bioelectrical signals through the skin, gathering data on different parts of the body depending on where it is placed.

Developed by researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm, Sweden), the prototype Bio-patch sensor is an inexpensive, versatile, and comfortable device for surface potential measurement. It combines mixed-signal System on Chip (SoC) technology, inkjet printing technology, and anisotropic conductive adhesive (ACA) bonding technology. An integral part of the Bio-Patch is the low-power low-noise SoC, which contains a tunable analog front end, a successive approximation register analog to digital converter, and a reconfigurable digital controller.

The electrodes, interconnections, and interposer are implemented by inkjet-printing of silver ink precisely on a flexible substrate. ACA is then used to attach the SoC to the printed structures and form the flexible hybrid system. Uses are manifold: for example, on the chest, it provides electrocardiography (ECG) data; on the skull, it measures brainwaves (EEC); and when placed on the forearm, it can measure electromyography (EMG) responses to stimulation from the nervous system.

The patch also has a built-in sensor that constantly monitors body temperature. With a wireless connection, the patient can analyze the readings in their smartphone, or send the data via internet to a healthcare professional for diagnosis. A study describing the prototype patch was published in the May 2013 issue of IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics.

“Bio-patch is a step towards what is known as self-care, which is valuable especially for patients discharged after an operation, or for the elderly living unassisted,” said lead author Geng Yang, PhD, of the school of information and communication technology. “With the Bio-patch, all electronic components are mounted on a flexible foil, which makes it easy to attach to the skin and to wear comfortably.”

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KTH Royal Institute of Technology