Delamination-Resistant Imperceptible Bioelectrode for Robust Electrophysiological Signals Monitoring

On-skin dry electronics are critical for stably transmitting vital and various electrophysiological signals for diagnostics and the human/machine interface, but they are limited by intrinsically poor compliance. High signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and long-term monitoring fidelity require dry electrode to be highly adhesive in compensation to maintain the conformable contact. However, enlarged adhesive force between electrode and skin will lead to irritant contact with elevated risk of signal distortion and contamination caused delamination. Herein, we develop a delamination-resistant imperceptible bioelectrode (DrIE) on the merits of relieving deformation-induced stress during body movements and allowing gas permeation for long-term wearing. Furthermore, benefiting from the augmented mechanical compliance and ultralow thickness, the SNR of our electrode in recording electromyogram (EMG) signals retains 35.23 dB and even the adhesive force is down to 0.013 N/cm, considerably improving the fidelity, recyclability, and wearing comfortability. Our strategy of utilizing dynamic polymer chain rearrangements promoted stress relaxation for compliant DrIE proposes a universal route to the robust biointerface for next-generation clinical applications.

Automated summary

A delamination-resistant imperceptible bioelectrode has been developed to alleviate stress induced by body movements and allow gas permeation during long-term wearing. With enhanced mechanical compliance and ultra-thin thickness, the electrode retains a high signal-to-noise ratio of 35.23 dB in recording electromyogram signals, while the adhesive force is reduced to 0.013 N/cm, significantly improving fidelity, recyclability, and wearing comfort.