Available Technologies

Executive Summary

Flexible electronics are materials that are often soft and bendable which allow them to conform to various surfaces. One application for these is in the biomedical field where flexible electrodes are used to measure electrical signals such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), or electromyography (EMG). However, currently available materials, while flexible, are not stretchable, which limits their extended use over time due to patient comfort. Researchers at Michigan State University have recently developed a new flexible electrode system built from a unique polymeric material. This system can be configured into unique electrode patterns and can be used for a range of continuous biopotential recordings while comfortably adhering to the skin.

Description of the Technology

The technology is based on a unique polymer that can be stretched up to 300%. Unique arrays of electrodes can be produced from the polymer to form measurement devices. The electrode system has been tested in a patient group of older adults confirming conformability to hair and wrinkled skin and used to control a remote robot arm.

Benefits

• Flexible and stretchable
• Comfortable over extended times and long term recording
• No signal loss for smooth, wrinkled or hairy skin
• Low motion artifacts
• Scalable, large-area fabrication
• Uniquely designed electrode patterns can be developed
• Does not use metals in electrodes
• Low impedance (180 ohms) compared to typical commercial systems

Applications

• Wearable medical devices
• Extended patient monitoring (EKG, EMG, EGG, EKG, EEG) up to 24 hours tested
• Gaming (virtual reality motion and control)
• Robotic remote control

Patent Status

• Patent pending

Licensing Rights

Full licensing rights available

Inventors

Dr. Jinxing Li, Vittorio Mottini

TECH ID

TEC2023-0092