Stretchable electrodes for biopotential measurements in wearable patches

Abstract

Soft, stretchable, and flexible electrodes offer a unique and nonintrusive option to monitor essential biopotential signals from the skin, which can be related to the functioning and status of different organs including the heart. Such stretchable electrodes, by forming an intimate contact to the human skin, not only increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the recorded biopotentials and reduce eventual signal artifacts, but are also more pleasant to wear. We developed a stretchable electrode patch for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring utilizing the medical-grade, transparent, and stretchable material Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS). Our fabrication process is compatible with standard micro- and nano clean room processes and could be up-scaled accordingly.

Keywords

• styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer (sebs)
• stretchable electrodes
• wearables
• preventive healthcare