High-Performance Flexible Microneedle Array as a Low-Impedance Surface Biopotential Dry Electrode for Wearable Electrophysiological Recording and Polysomnography

Microneedle array (MNA) electrodes are an effective solution to achieve high-quality surface biopotential recording without the coordination of conductive gel and are thus very suitable for long-term wearable applications. Existing schemes are limited by flexibility, biosafety, and manufacturing costs, which create large barriers for wider applications. Here, we present a novel flexible MNA electrode that can simultaneously achieve flexibility of the substrate to fit a curved body surface, robustness of microneedles to penetrate the skin without fracture, and a simplified process to allow mass production. The compatibility with wearable wireless systems and the short preparation time of the electrodes significantly improves the comfort and convenience of electrophysiological recording. The normalized electrode-skin contact impedance reaches 0.98 k omega cm(2) at 1 kHz and 1.50 k omega cm(2) at 10 Hz, a record low value compared to previous reports and approximately 1/250 of the standard electrodes. The morphology, biosafety, and electrical/mechanical properties are fully characterized, and wearable recordings with a high signal-to-noise ratio and low motion artifacts are realized. The first reported clinical study of microneedle electrodes for surface electrophysiological monitoring was conducted in tens of healthy and sleep-disordered subjects with 44 nights of recording (over 8 h per night), providing substantial evidence that the electrodes can be leveraged to substitute for clinical standard electrodes.

Automated summary

The researchers have developed a flexible MNA electrode that can fit a curved body surface, penetrate the skin without fracture, and be mass-produced with a simplified process. The electrode is compatible with wearable wireless systems and has a short preparation time, improving the comfort and convenience of electrophysiological recording.