“Electronic skin” made from environmentally friendly materials can track human vital signs with ultra-high accuracy

Currently, much of the research on nanocomposite-based sensors is related to non-durable materials. This means that these devices contribute to plastic waste when they are no longer in use. A new study, published on June 28 in Advanced functional materialsshows for the first time that it is possible to combine molecular gastronomy concepts with biodegradable materials to create such devices that are not only environmentally friendly, but also have the potential to outperform those that are not sustainable .

Scientists used seaweed and salt, two materials very commonly used in the restaurant industry, to create graphene capsules consisting of a solid layer of seaweed/graphene gel surrounding an ink core of liquid graphene. This technique is similar to how Michelin starred restaurants serve capsules with a solid layer of seaweed/raspberry jam surrounding a core of liquid jam.

Unlike molecular gastronomy capsules, graphene capsules are very pressure sensitive; thus, when squeezed or compressed, their electrical properties change dramatically. This means that they can be used as highly efficient strain sensors and can facilitate the creation of smart wearable devices on the skin for high-accuracy, real-time biomechanical and vital signs measurements.

Dr Dimitrios Papageorgiou, Senior Lecturer in Materials Science at Queen Mary University of London, said: “Introducing a revolutionary fusion of culinary art and cutting-edge nanotechnology, we have harnessed the extraordinary properties of microcapsules of newly created algae and graphene that redefine the possibilities of wearable electronics. Our discoveries provide a powerful framework for scientists to reinvent wearable nanocomposite technologies for high-precision health diagnostics, while our commitment to recyclable and biodegradable materials is fully aligned with environmentally friendly innovation.

This research can now be used as a model by other labs to understand and manipulate the strain-sensing properties of similar materials, pushing the concept of wearable nanotechnology to new heights.

The environmental impact of plastic waste has had a profound effect on our livelihoods and there is a need for plastic-based epidermal electronics to evolve towards more sustainable approaches. The fact that these capsules are made from recyclable and biodegradable materials could impact how we think about wearable sensing devices and the effect of their presence.

Dr Papageorgiou said: “We are also very proud of the collaborative effort between Dr Conor Boland’s group at the University of Sussex and my group at Queen Mary University of London which has fueled this groundbreaking research. This partnership illustrates the power of scientific collaboration, bringing together diverse expertise to push the boundaries of innovation.”