They need to be able to monitor physical functions such as pulse rate, blood pressure and even subtle changes in vocal cord vibrations in real time with a high degree of sensitivity.
These responses are generated when a substance in the sensor "gates," or allows selected pressure signals to pass to a transistor, which then conducts and amplifies these signals for detection.
Recently, organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have been found to exhibit much improved signal amplification capabilities at lower voltages and power consumption. However, to date, there has been little exploration of OECTs for use in pressure sensors because they are usually paired with liquid gating substances, which do not respond well to external pressure.
A collaborative team from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) has found ways to solve this problem in order to develop soft OECTs for wearable pressure sensors.
A team of scientists at the Institute have experimented with a solid type of gating substance - a charged, gelatinous substance called an ionic hydrogel. Due the gel’s physical characteristics it has been possible to demonstrate improved pressure sensing when used together with OECTs.
Taking their research a step further by fabricating ionic hydrogels with tiny pyramidal microstructures, the team were able to increase the pressure sensitivity that could be measured. "The deformity of the hydrogel microstructures in response to applied pressure increases the capacitance change at the gate electrodes," explained Yangzhi Zhu, Ph.D., part of the TIBI team. "This enhances the ability to detect very subtle pressure signals."
The team also found that the micro-structured hydrogel allowed them to obtain higher pressure sensitivity that could be adjusted by changing the applied gate voltage. Furthermore, this optimised sensor could operate at low operation voltage and low power consumption.
By combining these features it has been possible to make a high-performing pressure sensor that is economical, long-lasting and energy efficient - clear advantages for devices that are intended to collect long-term, real-time data.
"Low cost, low power consumption and high sensitivity are inherent advantages of OECTs. This is the first demonstration of the use of OECTs for pressure sensing applications by using a soft hydrogel as a gating medium," explained Shiming Zhang, Ph.D., TIBI's affiliated faculty member who is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and The University of Hong Kong. "It opens new opportunities for OECTs towards future in vivo pressure sensing applications."
"Having an energy-efficient, long-lasting pressure sensing device is a real asset for patients who need long-term monitoring, and it facilitates the ability to self-monitor at home," said Ali Khademhosseini, Ph.D., TIBI's director and CEO. "The advances gained here in pressure sensor development are one of many examples of the work that we do to enhance patient health."
