Paper-Based Electronics Using Graphite and Silver Nanoparticles for Respiration Monitoring

There is an increasing demand for measuring respiratory rate (RR) to monitor the progression of clinical events such as cardiac arrest or during the admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Current methods of respiration monitoring are complex, invasive, expensive and therefore require alternative techniques. In this paper, we utilized wearable and flexible technology to develop humidity sensors for long-term continuous monitoring of respiration. Using manual drawing and printing techniques, the sensors were made based on graphite trace and silver nanoparticles as two different sensing materials. The surface morphologies of the devices were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to show the construction of the sensors. Additionally, the material characterization was performed to obtain the Raman Spectra. Paper was chosen as a flexible substrate owing to its biodegradability, porosity, and disposability. The humidity sensing characteristics of the sensors indicated the best sensitivity of 0.0564% for Graphite on Paper (GOP) sensor. Furthermore, the hygroscopic nature of the paper enables converting the humidity changes during inhalation and exhalation into electrical signals. The electrical signals are transmitted via an interface to a computer using a simple data-logging set-up. A set of normal, deep and apnea breathing conditions could be easily differentiated from these signals along with information on respiration rate and pattern. The functionality of sensors was also tested after light and rigorous exercises. The proposed sensor combines the advantages of being low cost, non-invasive, highly sensitive, stable and holds tremendous potential for wearable/flexible healthcare technology.