Researchers in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin produced inexpensive wearable patches that continuously monitor the body’s vital signs. Their repeatable, “cut-and-paste” method cuts manufacturing time from several days to only 20 minutes.

The disposable, tattoo-like health-monitoring patches pick up and transmit the human body’s vital signals, tracking heart rate, hydration level, muscle movement, temperature, and brain activity.

The researchers believe their new method is compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing — an existing technique for creating devices in bulk using a roll of flexible plastic and a processing machine.

To build the devices, inexpensive, pre-fabricated metal is deposited on polymer sheets. An electronic mechanical cutter then forms patterns on the metal-polymer component. After removing excessive areas, the electronics are printed onto any polymer adhesives, including temporary tattoo films. The cutter is programmable, allowing customization of the patch and pattern size.

The team is currently trying to implement additional sensors, including blood pressure and oxygen saturation monitors, to the low-cost patch.

Source 

Topics:
Medical Patient Monitoring

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