Towards a Flexible/Stretchable Multiparametric Sensing Device for Surgical and Wearable Applications

Abstract

There have recently been tremendous advances in materials, fabrication methods and geometrical designs for flexible/stretchable electronics. Such technologies are critical for wearable, implantable, soft robotic and surgical devices. This paper presents a novel flexible/stretchable device, realized via a commercial process. This is comprised of horseshoe interconnects, electrochemical sensor electrode arrays, a heater for thermotherapy/thermo-regulation, a temperature sensor, electrodes for recording/applying signals to tissues and a bioimpedance sensor. Electrochemical deposition and characterization of platinum black to the bioimpedance sensor and gold and subsequently IrOx for pH sensing to other electrodes, characterization of the temperature and bioimpedance sensors and heater are presented.