Wearable Pressure Sensor

About

Stanford Reference: 14-024

Abstract

Stanford researchers have developed a wearable, flexible, high sensitivity pressure sensor that provides information about cardiovascular health, emotional state, and other aspects of human physiology. Attached like a medical bandage, the ultra-thin sensor measures pulse waveforms over arteries or veins with high repeatability (> 3000 cycles). Bio-inspired microstructures enhance the skin-device interface and amplify the signals of physical forces.

In proof of concept, researchers applied the sensors on the skin over arterial or venous sites to measure pulse waveforms. The waveforms provide important cardiovascular information for healthcare monitoring. Integrated into a simple, portable transmitter and receiver, the device can quickly diagnose cardiovascular and cardiac illnesses.

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NPR "All Tech Considered" Feature

"Just Like Human Skin, This Plastic Sheet Can Sense And Heal", April 11, 2016

Applications

Pressure sensors with end user applications in:


Physiological / healthcare monitoring
Medical devices, especially cardiovascular


Advantages


Simple to fabricate
Simple to deploy – attaches like a bandage
Stretchable, flexible and conforming – amplifies and improves pulse signal
Biocompatible
High repeatability (> 3000 cycles)


Publications


C. Pang, J. H. Koo, A. Nguyen, J. M. Caves, M. G. Kim, A. Chortos, K. Kim, P. J. Wang, J. B.-H. Tok, Z. Bao, "Highly Skin-Conformal Microhairy Sensor for Pulse Signal Amplification". Advanced Materials, 27(4), pp.634-640.


Related Web Links


Bao Research Group


Date Released

2/18/2016

Related Keywords

MEMS: bioMEMS   sensors: biosensor   materials: thin film   healthcare: diagnostic tool   medical devices: diagnostics and measurement   Composite materials   flexible electronics   flexible sensors   healthcare: non-invasive device   materials: carbon nanotubes   medical devices: prosthetics/rehabilitation   organic semiconductor: devices   organic semiconductor: materials   organic semiconductors   plastic electronics   pressure sensors   prosthetics   surgical robotics   Surgical tool   medical devices: cardiovascular   cardiovascular device