All-Organic, Solution-Processed, Extremely Conformal, Mechanically Biocompatible, and Breathable Epidermal Electrodes

Conformal integration of an epidermal device with the skin, as well as sweat and air permeability, are crucial to reduce stress on biological tissues. Nanofiber-based porous mesh structures (breathable devices) are commonly utilized to prevent skin problems. Noble metals are normally deposited on nanomesh substrates to form breathable electrodes. However, these are expensive and require high-vacuum processes involving time-consuming multistep procedures. Organic materials are suitable alternatives that can be simply processed in solution. We report a simple, cost-effective, mechanically 2 biocompatible, and breathable organic epidermal electrode for biometric devices. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is sprayed on a nanofiber-mesh structure, treated using only heat and water to enhance its biocompatibility and conductivity, and used as the electrode. The treatment is accomplished using an autoclave, simultaneously reducing the electrical resistance and sterilizing the electrode for practical use. This research can lead to affordable and biocompatible epidermal electrodes with improved suitability for various biomedical applications.

Automated summary

The study describes a simple, cost-effective, mechanically stable, and biocompatible organic epidermal electrode for biometric devices. The electrode is sprayed on a nanofiber mesh structure, treated with heat and water to enhance biocompatibility and conductivity, and sterilized using an autoclave. This research could lead to affordable and biocompatible epidermal electrodes suitable for various biomedical applications.