Issue 9, 2017

Directly embroidered microtubes for fluid transport in wearable applications

Abstract

We demonstrate, for the first time, a facile and low-cost approach for integrating highly flexible and stretchable microfluidic channels into textile-based substrates. The integration of the microfluidics is accomplished by means of directly embroidering surface-functionalized micro-tubing in a zigzag/meander pattern and subsequently coating it with an elastomer for irreversible bonding. We show the utility of the embroidered micro-tubing by developing robust and stretchable drug-delivery and electronic devices. Controlled drug-delivery platforms with sustained release are achieved through selected laser ablated openings. We further demonstrate a wearable wireless resonant displacement sensor capable of detecting strains ranging from 0 to 60% with an average sensitivity of 45 kHz per % strain by filling the embroidered tubing with a liquid metal alloy, creating stretchable conductive microfluidics with <0.4 Ω resistance variations at their maximum stretchability (100%). The interconnects can withstand 1500 repeated stretch-and-release cycles at 30% strain with a less than 0.1 Ω change in resistance.

Graphical abstract: Directly embroidered microtubes for fluid transport in wearable applications

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
19 Jan 2017
Accepted
22 Mar 2017
First published
24 Mar 2017

Lab Chip, 2017,17, 1585-1593

Directly embroidered microtubes for fluid transport in wearable applications

R. Rahimi, W. Yu, M. Ochoa and B. Ziaie, Lab Chip, 2017, 17, 1585 DOI: 10.1039/C7LC00074J

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