Issue 28, 2023

A skin-friendly soft strain sensor with direct skin adhesion enabled by using a non-toxic surfactant

Abstract

Wearable electronics, particularly soft strain sensors with direct skin adhesion, play a crucial role in applications such as smart healthcare systems and human–machine interfaces. However, the existing approaches for developing dry-adhesive soft electronic materials often involve potential biotoxicity and vulnerability to humid environments. In this study, we present an eco-friendly and biocompatible surfactant-based composite for soft conductive composite, soft dry-adhesive film, and skin-adherable soft strain sensors. Utilizing polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, also known as Tween 80, as a non-toxic surfactant, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as an elastomeric matrix, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as a conductive pathway, the composite exhibits excellent stretchability and conductivity. The soft dry-adhesive film based on Tween 80-added PDMS features exceptional softness and adhesiveness. We demonstrate a soft strain sensor based on these composites that can be directly adhered to the skin and effectively detect various human motions involving large deformations without delamination. This approach offers a promising avenue for future wearable electronics that are safe for both humans and the environment.

Graphical abstract: A skin-friendly soft strain sensor with direct skin adhesion enabled by using a non-toxic surfactant

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
31 mar 2023
Accepted
09 iyn 2023
First published
13 iyn 2023

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2023,11, 9611-9619

A skin-friendly soft strain sensor with direct skin adhesion enabled by using a non-toxic surfactant

H. Park, M. Na, D. Shin, D. Kim, E. Kim, S. Kim, D. Lee and K. Sim, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2023, 11, 9611 DOI: 10.1039/D3TC01150J

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