Rapid Fabrication of Epidermal Paper-Based Electronic Devices Using Razor Printing

Abstract

This work describes the use of a benchtop razor printer to fabricate epidermal paper-based electronic devices (EPEDs). This fabrication technique is simple, low-cost, and compatible with scalable manufacturing processes. EPEDs are fabricated using paper substrates rendered omniphobic by their cost-effective silanization with fluoroalkyl trichlorosilanes, making them inexpensive, water-resistant, and mechanically compliant with human skin. The highly conductive inks or thin films attached to one of the sides of the omniphobic paper makes EPEDs compatible with wearable applications involving wireless power transfer. The omniphobic cellulose fibers of the EPED provide a moisture-independent mechanical reinforcement to the conductive layer. EPEDs accurately monitor physiological signals such as ECG (electrocardiogram), EMG (electromyogram), and EOG (electro-oculogram) even in high moisture environments. Additionally, EPEDs can be used for the fast mapping of temperature over the skin and to apply localized thermotherapy. Our results demonstrate the merits of EPEDs as a low-cost platform for personalized medicine applications.

Fabrication, Flow Control, and Applications of Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices

“…Knife Plotter: Fenton et al employed a computer-controlled knife plotter for precise cutting of the paper to obtain the desired patterns [71,72]. To avoid the wrapping or tearing of paper, three sequential cuts were required.…”

Versatile printed microheaters to enable low-power thermal control in paper diagnostics

“…This aggressive treatment resulted in a total resistance change of only 0.5 Ohms (9.3 percent difference) and did not otherwise affect the performance of the microheater. Although these microheaters are not intended for use on the skin like Sadri et al's larger epidermal heaters, 49 the flexibility and durability of this substrate and ink combination provides robustness when heating regions within in-field or POC diagnostics. The microheaters can withstand submersion in distilled water for 3 days without measurable change in resistance, indicating these microheaters are compatible with wet samples and can be used in the field.…”

Editorial for Special Issue on Flexible Electronics: Fabrication and Ubiquitous Integration

“…There are 10 papers published in this Special Issue, covering new strategies for a paradigm shift in the design [ 1 , 2 , 3 ], fabrication [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], and encapsulation [ 8 , 9 , 10 ] of next-generation flexible systems. Xiao et al [ 1 ] proposed an “island-bridge” strategy to design high-performance stretchable electronics composed of inorganic rigid components so that that can they can be conformally transferred to non-developable surfaces.…”

“…On the application side, these papers have focused on the implementation of flexible systems in healthcare [ 4 , 10 ], photonics [ 3 ], and the human–machine interface [ 9 ]. Traditional manufacturing approaches and materials used to fabricate flexible epidermal electronics for physiological monitoring, transdermal stimulation, and therapeutics have proven to be complex and expensive, impeding the fabrication of flexible electronic systems that can be used as single-use medical devices.…”

“…Traditional manufacturing approaches and materials used to fabricate flexible epidermal electronics for physiological monitoring, transdermal stimulation, and therapeutics have proven to be complex and expensive, impeding the fabrication of flexible electronic systems that can be used as single-use medical devices. Sadri et al [ 4 ] report the simple, inexpensive, and scalable fabrication of epidermal paper-based electronic devices (EPEDs) using a bench-top razor printer. These EPEDs are mechanically stable upon stretching and can be used as electrophysiological sensors to record electrocardiograms, electromyograms, and electrooculograms, even under water.…”