Solution-processed wrinkled electrodes enable the development of stretchable electrochemical biosensors

Abstract

Wearable biosensors are critical for enabling real-time and continuous health monitoring and disease management. Conductors that retain their conductivity under strain are an essential building block of these systems. Strategies based on stretchable materials or structures have enabled the development of electrodes that can withstand impressive strains before loss of conductivity. In spite of this, it remains challenging to develop three-dimensional and high surface area electrodes that combine stretchability with high analytical sensitivity. Here, we develop stretchable electrochemical biosensors using solution-processed wrinkled gold electrodes. Wrinkling enhances the surface area of the electrodes and allows glucose to be detected with a sensitivity of 750–810 μA M⁻¹ cm⁻². Furthermore, wrinkling enables electrodes to be strained by up to 230% without significant loss in conductivity.