Tailoring inkjet-printed PEDOT:PSS composition toward green, wearable device fabrication

Inkjet printing remains one of the most cost-efficient techniques for device prototyping and manufacturing, offering considerable freedom of digital design, non-contact, and additive fabrication. When developing novel wearable devices, a balanced approach is required between functional, user-safe materials and scalable manufacturing processes. Here, we propose a tailor-made ink formulation, based on non-hazardous materials, to develop green electronic devices aimed at interfacing with humans. We demonstrate that developed ink exhibits high-resolution inkjet printability, in line with theoretical prediction, on multiple wearable substrates. The ink's chemical composition ensures the pattern's enhanced electrical properties, mechanical flexibility, and stability in water. The cytocompatibility evaluations show no noxious effects from printed films in contact with human mesenchymal stem cells. Finally, we fabricated a printed wearable touch sensor on a non-woven fabric substrate, capable of tracking human steps. This is a step toward the development of green wearable electronics manufacturing, demonstrating a viable combination of materials and processes for biocompatible devices. (C) 2022 Author(s).All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

Inkjet printing is a cost-efficient technique for device prototyping and manufacturing, offering digital design freedom, non-contact, and additive fabrication. This study proposes a tailor-made ink formulation based on non-hazardous materials for developing green electronic devices that interface with humans. The developed ink exhibits high-resolution inkjet printability on multiple wearable substrates, with enhanced electrical properties, mechanical flexibility, and water stability. Cytocompatibility evaluations show no harmful effects on human mesenchymal stem cells. A printed wearable touch sensor capable of tracking human steps is fabricated, demonstrating the viability of materials and processes for biocompatible devices.