Smart and Connected Physiological Monitoring Enabled by Stretchable Bioelectronics and Deep-Learning Algorithm

Abstract

Commercially available, wearable physiological monitors rely on rigid, multiple electronic components, coupled with aggressive adhesives and conductive gels, often causing discomfort and skin breakdown. Here, we introduce an all-in-one, wireless, stretchable bioelectronics platform for portable, real-time physiological monitoring and accurate classification biopotentials, including electrocardiograms (ECG), electroencephalograms (EEG), and electromyograms (EMG). The nanomembrane sensor and multi-layered electronic system is manufactured by integration of microfabrication techniques, aerosol jet printing of nanoparticles, photonic sintering, and hard-soft materials assembly. Strategic integration with hyperelastic elastomers allows the device to adhere and deform naturally with human body while maintaining the functionalities of the on-board electronics. Stretchable electrodes with optimized structures for intimate skin contact acquire high-quality biopotentials. Comparison of those signals with commercial systems captures the improved performance and significant noise reduction of the stretchable bioelectronics. Implementation of convolutional neural networks for real-time classifications of ECG, EMG, EEG and inertial measurement data demonstrates the feasibility for precise control of external systems. In vivo demonstrations with human subjects in various scenarios reveal the versatility of the device as both a health monitor with real-time cardiac monitoring and a viable human-machine interface.