Smart MXene-based Bioelectronic Devices as Wearable Self-powered Health
Monitor for Sensing Human Physiological Signals
Abstract
Biosafe wearable healthcare monitor has attracted significant attention
owing to their applicability to wearable electronics. However, the
narrow sensing range and poor response limit the application of flexible
devices for comprehensive monitoring of human health-related
physiological signals (i.e. pulse diagnosis). Critical challenges remain
in the development of biocompatible materials and the design of flexible
bio-integrated platforms for these purposes, targeting performance
approaching those of conventional wafer-based technologies and long-term
operational stability. In this context, this work presents a robust and
flexible MXene/polydopamine (PDA)-composite-film-based pressure sensor
in a portable/wearable fashion, which establishes a unique intercalated
spherical-like PDA molecules structure, thereby resulting in excellent
sensing performance. The MXene/PDA-based pressure sensor has sensitivity
of up to 138.8 kPa-1 in the pressure range of 0.18-6.20 kPa with fast
response and recovery speed (t1<100 ms; t2<50 ms).
Associated embodiment involves real-time precise measurements of a
variety of health-related physiological signals, ranging from wrist
pulse, to finger motions, to vocalization and to facial expressions,
with high sensitivity and accuracy. Studies on human subjects establish
the clinical significance of these devices for future opportunities of
health monitoring and intelligent control to predict and diagnose
diseases.