(Invited) Stretchable and Biodegradable Sensors Based on Liquid Metal-Polymer Composites Encapsulated in Microfluidics

Abstract

Photolithography and related advances have made microfluidics, microelectromechanical systems and related systems accessible to many biomecial labs. These systems have found uses in biochemical assays, pharmaceutical screening and many fields of applications. Conductive inks made from lipid metal-polymer composites (MPC) can be encapsulated within elastomer-based microfluidic channels that serve as conducting wires that are flexible, stretchable and completely biodegradable. Such flexible devices have allow the introduction of electrical and photonic signals seamlessly into living tissues. These properties can dramatically expand the capability of stretch electronic devices as biomedical sensors, as well as sensors for electrophysiology, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and gene therapy. MPC-based epidermal liquid metal-based electronics, such as blood oxygen sensors and sweat detection devices, allow real-time health monitoring. I will also discuss the idea of an “electronic blood vessel” that integrates sensing with regeneration. Eventually, these sensors can also harness the chemical energy within bodies to comprise self-power devices.