Ultrathin and highly Permeable Anti-Swelling and Non-Drying Hydrogel-Based Body-Temperature Phase-Transmittable Electrode for Stretchable Bioelectronics
발표자
홍석현 (한국과학기술원)
연구책임자
스티브 박 (한국과학기술원)
초록
내용
Aging increases degenerative diseases, creating major healthcare and socioeconomic challenges. Continuous health monitoring is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Conventional systems are often rigid, leading to poor compatibility with soft tissues, unstable interfaces, and infection risks. Hydrogels are promising materials due to their water content and tissue-like softness, but they swell in moist environments, dry in air, and ultrathin forms (~30 μm) are prone to buckling and damage.
We present an ultrathin, highly permeable hydrogel-based bioelectronic system that resists swelling and drying. It integrates a body-temperature-softening liquid metal ink that supports the hydrogel and acts as a stretchable electrode. Before application, it maintains shape and stiffness for easy handling. Once on skin, it softens to match tissue mechanics, enabling reliable, long-term monitoring in dynamic conditions.