Abstract
This paper describes the development of a graphene-based dry flexible electrocardiography (ECG) electrode and a portable wireless ECG measurement system. First, graphene films on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates and graphene paper were used to construct the ECG electrode. Then, a graphene textile was synthesized for the fabrication of a wearable ECG monitoring system. The structure and the electrical properties of the graphene electrodes were evaluated using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and alternating current impedance spectroscopy. ECG signals were then collected from healthy subjects using the developed graphene electrode and portable measurement system. The results show that the graphene electrode was able to acquire the typical characteristics and features of human ECG signals with a high signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio in different states of motion. A week-long continuous wearability test showed no degradation in the ECG signal quality over time. The graphene-based flexible electrode demonstrates comfortability, good biocompatibility, and high electrophysiological detection sensitivity. The graphene electrode also combines the potential for use in long-term wearable dynamic cardiac activity monitoring systems with convenience and comfort for use in home health care of elderly and high-risk adults.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease, which includes both coronary heart disease and stroke, is one of the most prevalent causes of death worldwide
As shown in this figure, the Raman resonances of the chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-produced graphene–polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films are commonly observed at the G-peak (1587 cm−1 ) and the 2D-peak (2682 cm−1 )
Band is only activated in the presence of defects, and the defects in the graphene can be assessed through measurement of the intensity ratio of the defect-induced D band to the graphenic G band [29]
Summary
Cardiovascular disease, which includes both coronary heart disease and stroke, is one of the most prevalent causes of death worldwide. In addition to these fatal cases, at least 20 million people experience nonfatal heart attacks and strokes every year; many of these people subsequently require prolonged and costly medical care [1,2]. Routine and repetitive ECG measurements are often necessary for cardiovascular patients. The inconvenience to the patient, the high cost of hospital-centered care, and the demand for long-term recording methods have combined to drive significant interest in homecare development [3]. With the continuing advances in device miniaturization and Sensors 2016, 16, 1833; doi:10.3390/s16111833 www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors
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