Graphene-based wearable sensors self-power to monitor vital signs

Existing devices for monitoring vital signs, either in the hospital or at home, tend to be bulky and uncomfortable, difficult for non-experts to use, and expensive.

But with the growth in wirelessly connected devices for the Internet-of-Things, wearable sensors, capable of monitoring patients remotely, recording information and communicating it back to healthcare professionals, are becoming increasingly important.

Now researchers at the Exeter University are developing sensors that can be integrated directly into textiles themselves, to eliminate the discomfort of placing hardware directly in contact with human skin.

That is particularly important in the case of electrocardiography, which involves prolonged use of gel electrolytes to reduce the resistance between the skin and the electrode, and can cause allergies and skin irritation, according to Dr Ana Neves from Exeter’s Engineering Department, who is leading the EPSRC-funded project.

The researchers will integrate graphene-based sensors into the textiles themselves. The graphene-coated textiles change in a predictable way when exposed to external stimuli, such as mechanical deformations or variations in temperature, allowing them to be used as sensors.