Sweaty solution for e-skin electronics

Used in health diagnostics, therapeutics and monitoring, electronics skin (e-skin), is a stretchable and self-healing form of electronics that mimics the functionalities of human skin.

Seokheun Choi, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Ahyeon Koh, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, will attempt to generate a practical and longstanding power source for e-skin from human sweat by using the metabolisms of sweat-eating bacteria.

“Among many energy-harvesting devices for e-skins, biochemical energy harvesting from human sweat is arguably the most underdeveloped because of immature technologies,” said Choi. “Nonetheless, excitement is building for scavenging power from sweat, as it is the most suitable energy source for skin-contacting devices. Sweat is readily and constantly available in sufficient quantities, can be acquired non-invasively, and contains a rich variety of chemical and biological entities that can produce electricity.”

E-skins have recently emerged as a novel platform for electronics, taking on more important roles in healthcare. Stand-alone and self-sustained e-skins could provide reliable, effective and sometimes life-saving functions, and Choi said these devices are the future of technology.