Epidermal electronics - Electronic skin grafts are possible diagnostics of the future

8/12/2011 9:27:00 AM

A group of researchers from the United States, Singapore and China have recently developed an a skin-graft technology that is nearly a precise match to the skin’s mechanical properties and can carry electronic currents. This revolutionary technology, known as epidermal electronic system (EES), can be applied in much the same way as a temporary tattoo. Significantly, the rubbery elastomer mimics many properties of the skin, while harboring active electronic circuit components that have been shrunk to the size of the tiniest bumps and wrinkles observable on the skin.

In this study, the groups showed that a postage-stamp sized device to a subject’s chest performed was able to nearly replicate a traditional ECG without the need for uncomfortable gels or tape. EES may significantly impact the future of ECG, EEG and other diagnostics by offering patients a noninvasive and less cumbersome way of obtaining multi-day electronic monitoring, and could greatly enhance clinical decision-making and patient quality of life.

For more information about this study, go to www.sciencemag.org