Thermo-sensitive hydrogel array type temperature measurement patch and packaging method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a thermo-sensitive hydrogel array type temperature measurement patch and a packaging method thereof, the thermo-sensitive hydrogel array type temperature measurement patch is of a visual array type patch structure formed by packaging thermo-sensitive hydrogel, the thermo-sensitive hydrogel arranged in an array mode at different phase change temperatures or critical solution temperatures is used as an inner layer, PDMS or TPE is used as a transparent packaging layer, and the outer layer is used as an outer layer. And performing temperature monitoring according to the thermochromic characteristic of the hydrogel, and displaying the temperature range and / or the temperature precision. The packaging method comprises the following steps: mixing and stirring PDMS and a curing agent in proportion, pouring the mixture into a mold, carrying out vacuum treatment, heating and curing to obtain a PDMS film, putting temperature-sensitive hydrogel into a square notch in one surface of the PDMS film, and pressing and standing after bonding treatment; or heating to melt the TPE, wrapping the TPE with the thermo-sensitive hydrogel, and cooling to form a sealing structure. The temperature measuring patch is individually designed according to the hydrogel and is used for monitoring the body temperature of a human body or the temperature of industrial equipment, and the applicability and the accuracy of the temperature measuring patch are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of temperature detection technology, specifically relating to a thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch and its encapsulation method. Background Art

[0002] In the field of temperature detection, traditional temperature detection devices such as thermometers and thermocouples, while capable of measuring temperature relatively accurately, suffer from problems such as complex operation and unintuitive readings. For scenarios requiring rapid acquisition of surface temperature with stringent accuracy requirements, such as detecting human body temperature in the medical field and measuring the surface temperature of equipment in industrial production, traditional devices are insufficient.

[0003] In recent years, thermochromic materials have demonstrated unique advantages in temperature detection, among which poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) thermochromic hydrogel has attracted widespread attention due to its excellent temperature-sensitive properties. However, current temperature detection devices based on PNIPAAM thermochromic hydrogel still require improvement in structural design and temperature resolution, making it difficult to achieve high-precision, rapid, and intuitive temperature detection. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a new temperature test patch structure to address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a thermosensitive hydrogel array-type temperature measuring patch, which is a visual array-type patch structure encapsulated with thermosensitive hydrogel. The temperature measuring patch can be customized according to thermosensitive hydrogels with different phase transition temperatures or critical dissolution temperatures (LCSTs) for rapid and intuitive detection of the surface temperature of the human body or objects, thereby improving the applicability and accuracy of temperature testing patches.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a packaging method for the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch, which solves the problem of unstable performance of thermosensitive hydrogel after packaging in the prior art through an innovative hydrogel sealing process.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a thermosensitive hydrogel array-type temperature measuring patch, which is a visible array-type patch structure encapsulated by thermosensitive hydrogel, with thermosensitive hydrogels arranged in an array with different phase transition temperatures or LCST as the inner layer, and polydimethylsiloxane film (PDMS) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as the transparent encapsulation layer.

[0008] Preferably, the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensor patch can monitor temperature based on the thermochromic properties of the thermosensitive hydrogel, and simultaneously display a certain temperature range and maintain a certain temperature accuracy in combination with its LCST.

[0009] As a preferred option, thermosensitive hydrogels with different LCSTs can be selected based on the application scenario and the target temperature response range. For example, for human body temperature monitoring, thermosensitive hydrogels with an LCST of around 37°C can be selected; for industrial equipment temperature monitoring, thermosensitive hydrogels with the corresponding LCSTs can be selected based on the operating temperature range of the equipment.

[0010] Preferably, the thermosensitive hydrogel is a PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogel.

[0011] Preferably, the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature measuring patch is encapsulated by two PDMS films as a transparent encapsulation layer.

[0012] Preferably, the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensor patch is a square visual array patch structure with temperature accuracy, wherein the square visual array patch structure contains PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels with different LCSTs, and the PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels contain acrylamide (AM).

[0013] More preferably, the square visualization array patch structure is a 10×10 array structure, with the LCST of rows 1-5 being 35℃, 35.2℃, 35.4℃, 35.6℃, and 35.8℃ respectively, and the LCST of rows 6-10 being 39℃, 39.2℃, 39.4℃, 39.6℃, and 39.8℃ respectively. The LCST interval between adjacent PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels in each row is 0.2℃, and the LCST interval between adjacent PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels in each column is 1℃.

[0014] Preferably, the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature measuring patch is a rectangular visual array patch structure with a wide temperature span, wherein the rectangular visual array patch structure contains PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels with different LCSTs, and the PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels contain AM.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the rectangular visual array patch structure is a 1×5 array structure, with the LCST of the 1st to 5th rows being 36℃, 37℃, 38℃, 39℃, and 40℃, respectively, and the LCST interval between adjacent PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels in each row being 1℃.

[0016] Preferably, the transparent encapsulation layer is made of PDMS, which has good biocompatibility, chemical stability and optical transparency. It can achieve a strong bond with the hydrogel through surface treatment, such as pretreatment of PDMS, including cleaning and drying to remove surface impurities and improve the bonding effect. It is an ideal encapsulation material.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for encapsulating the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch, wherein the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch uses an array of thermosensitive hydrogels with different LCSTs arranged as an inner layer, and PDMS as a transparent encapsulation layer, and the encapsulation method includes the following steps:

[0018] (1) Mix the basic components of PDMS and the curing agent according to a certain weight ratio, pour the mixture into a circular mold, vacuum process and heat curing to obtain a PDMS film;

[0019] (2) One side of the PDMS film is a plane, and the other side has several square notches arranged in an array. The thermosensitive hydrogels of different LCSTs are placed in the square notches.

[0020] (3) Bond the PDMS film containing the temperature-sensitive hydrogel for 60-120 seconds. After bonding, press and let stand for 0.5-2 hours to complete the encapsulation.

[0021] Preferably, in step (3), the bonding process includes oxygen plasma bonding and / or hot-press bonding.

[0022] More preferably, in step (3), the bonding process includes: first, surface-treating a PDMS film with oxygen plasma to generate hydroxyl active groups on its surface; then, placing a thermosensitive hydrogel of different LCSTs on it; then, covering the PDMS film containing the thermosensitive hydrogel with another PDMS film; and finally, pressing and allowing it to stand under certain pressure and temperature to complete the encapsulation. This structure can effectively prevent the evaporation of moisture from the thermosensitive hydrogel and the intrusion of external pollutants, while ensuring good heat exchange between the thermosensitive hydrogel and the external environment, thus achieving temperature response functionality.

[0023] Preferably, the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch is encapsulated using an encapsulation device, which includes: a working platform for placing the thermosensitive hydrogel and PDMS film, a cleaning and drying unit for pre-treating the PDMS film, a PDMS film bonding unit, and a control system for controlling the operation of each unit; wherein:

[0024] The cleaning and drying unit uses a combination of an ultrasonic cleaner and a hot air dryer to thoroughly clean and dry the PDMS film.

[0025] The PDMS thin film bonding unit selects oxygen plasma treatment equipment and / or hot pressing equipment according to the bonding method;

[0026] The control system employs a programmable logic controller (PLC) to achieve precise control of the packaging process, ensuring the stability and consistency of packaging quality.

[0027] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for encapsulating the temperature-sensitive hydrogel array temperature sensor patch, wherein the temperature-sensitive hydrogel array temperature sensor patch uses an array of temperature-sensitive hydrogels with different LCSTs arranged as an inner layer and a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as a transparent encapsulation layer. The encapsulation method includes: melting the TPE by heating and then encapsulating the temperature-sensitive hydrogel, and then cooling to form a sealed structure.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. Improved performance stability: By bonding and sealing with PDMS film, the evaporation of moisture and external contamination of the temperature-sensitive hydrogel can be effectively prevented, ensuring the stability of the temperature response performance of the hydrogel during use and extending the service life of the temperature sensing patch.

[0030] 2. Enhanced applicability: Temperature sensing patches are designed based on thermosensitive hydrogels with different LCSTs to meet the temperature sensing needs of different application scenarios, such as human health monitoring, industrial equipment monitoring, and environmental temperature monitoring, greatly expanding the application range of thermosensitive hydrogel temperature sensing patches.

[0031] 3. Diverse encapsulation processes: Different encapsulation processes are selected based on the different characteristics of the thermosensitive hydrogels to improve the flexibility and adaptability of encapsulation, fully leverage the performance advantages of different LCST thermosensitive hydrogels, and further improve the performance and quality of temperature sensing patches. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature measuring patch with an accuracy of 0.2℃, as shown in the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a temperature-sensitive hydrogel array temperature measuring patch with an accuracy of 1°C, as shown in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To more fully understand and demonstrate the technical solutions, objectives, and advantages of the present invention, the technical effects produced by the present invention will be further described in detail and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. It should be noted that other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept of the present invention are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] This embodiment proposes a thermosensitive hydrogel array-type temperature sensing patch. By doping a polyacrylamide (PAM) network into the PNIPAAm hydrogel system, the LCST of the composite PNIPAAm hydrogel can be controllably adjusted, thus creating a thermosensitive hydrogel. Figure 1 As shown, a thermosensitive hydrogel with 25 different LCST values ​​was used. The response temperatures of positions 1-5 were 35-35.8℃, with an interval of 0.2℃. Sequentially, the second row showed 36-36.8℃, and the last row showed 39-39.8℃, achieving a temperature measurement range of 35-40℃ and a measurement accuracy of 0.2℃, suitable for body temperature testing.

[0037] The encapsulation method for the above-mentioned thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch comprises the following steps:

[0038] First, select thermosensitive hydrogels of different LCSTs and prepare them into suitable shapes, thicknesses, and sizes. Take a certain amount of PDMS main agent and curing agent, mix them evenly in a weight ratio of 10:1, cast to a specific thickness (0.05-1mm) and a grooved sheet, heat to form, remove the complete PDMS sheet, and first ultrasonically clean it repeatedly with acetone, alcohol, and deionized water for 10 minutes each time, and then dry it in a 60℃ oven for 30 minutes.

[0039] Secondly, the surfaces of the two PDMS sheets were treated with an oxygen plasma cleaner with a power of 50-300W and a treatment time of 1-5 minutes, which generated a large number of hydroxyl active groups on the surface of the PDMS sheets.

[0040] Finally, place a thermosensitive hydrogel of a specific size into the groove of the PDMS sheet, then cover the PDMS sheet containing the thermosensitive hydrogel with another PDMS sheet, press and hold for more than 10 minutes to perform PDMS bonding, and complete the sealing.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] Based on the different temperature responses of the composite PNIPAAm hydrogel LCST, different temperature ranges and accuracy temperature test patches were set. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the LCST of the temperature-sensitive hydrogel at positions 11-15 are 36℃, 37℃, 38℃, 39℃, and 40℃, respectively, with an accuracy of 1℃, which can be used in scenarios with a wide temperature range and relatively low requirements for testing accuracy.

[0043] In the preparation process of the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature measuring patch in this embodiment, except for the temperature response range and accuracy of the thermosensitive hydrogel, everything else is the same as in Example 1.

[0044] Example 3

[0045] To address the high-temperature or low-temperature environment monitoring needs of industrial equipment, LCST selects temperature-sensitive hydrogels in different ranges. TPE is heated to a molten state, and the temperature-sensitive hydrogel is immersed in the molten TPE and quickly removed, so that the TPE uniformly coats the temperature-sensitive hydrogel. After the TPE cools and solidifies, a sealed temperature-sensitive hydrogel temperature patch for industrial equipment is formed.

[0046] Example 4

[0047] Prepare a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane with a thickness of 0.1-20μm, sandwich a thermosensitive hydrogel between two porous membranes, and seal the edges of the membrane using a hot-pressing method (temperature 120℃, pressure 0.3MPa, time 2 minutes) to form an environmental thermosensitive hydrogel temperature test patch.

[0048] Example 5

[0049] In the preparation process of the hydrogel temperature patch in this embodiment, except that the shape of the temperature-sensitive hydrogel is set to be circular, everything else is the same as in Example 1.

[0050] Example 6

[0051] A membrane coated with core-shell polymer microspheres (with a low-crosslinked acrylate core and a high-crosslinked vinyl ether derivative shell) is used to encapsulate a temperature-sensitive hydrogel. During cold pressing, the shell ruptures to release the viscous substance in the core, and room-temperature adhesion between the membranes is achieved through van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. The membrane thickness is 1-10 μm, and the cold pressing pressure is 200 kg-6 T.

[0052] Example 7

[0053] In the preparation process of the hydrogel temperature patch in this embodiment, except that the material used for cold pressing is light-cured acrylic resin, everything else is the same as in Example 6.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermosensitive hydrogel array-type temperature sensing patch, characterized in that, It is a visualized array patch structure encapsulated with thermosensitive hydrogels, with thermosensitive hydrogels arranged in an array with different phase transition temperatures or critical dissolution temperatures as the inner layer, and PDMS or TPE as the transparent encapsulation layer; temperature monitoring is performed based on the thermochromic properties of the thermosensitive hydrogels, displaying the temperature range and / or temperature accuracy.

2. The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature measuring patch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermosensitive hydrogel is a PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogel; And / or the temperature-sensitive hydrogel array temperature sensor patch is encapsulated by two PDMS films as transparent encapsulation layers; And / or the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensor patch is used for human body temperature monitoring or industrial equipment temperature monitoring.

3. The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature measuring patch is a square visual array patch structure with temperature accuracy, wherein the square visual array patch structure contains PNIPAAM thermosensitive hydrogels with different LCSTs, and the PNIPAAM thermosensitive hydrogels contain acrylamide.

4. The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The square visualization array patch structure is a 10×10 array structure. The LCST of the first to fifth rows are 35℃, 35.2℃, 35.4℃, 35.6℃, and 35.8℃, respectively. The LCST of the sixth to tenth rows are 39℃, 39.2℃, 39.4℃, 39.6℃, and 39.8℃, respectively. The LCST interval between adjacent PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels in each row is 0.2℃, and the LCST interval between adjacent PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels in each column is 1℃.

5. The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensor patch is a rectangular visual array patch structure with a wide temperature span, wherein different LCST PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels are placed in the rectangular visual array patch structure, and the PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogel contains AM.

6. The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rectangular visual array patch structure is a 1×5 array structure, with the LCST of the 1st to 5th rows being 36℃, 37℃, 38℃, 39℃, and 40℃, respectively, and the LCST interval between adjacent PNIPAAm thermosensitive hydrogels in each row being 1℃.

7. The encapsulation method of the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch uses PDMS as a transparent encapsulation layer, and the encapsulation method includes the following steps: (1) Mix the basic components of PDMS and the curing agent in proportion, pour the mixture into a circular mold, vacuum process and heat to cure, and obtain PDMS film; (2) One side of the PDMS film is a plane, and the other side has several square notches arranged in an array. The thermosensitive hydrogels of different LCSTs are placed in the square notches. (3) Bond the PDMS film containing the temperature-sensitive hydrogel for 60-120 seconds. After bonding, press and let stand for 0.5-2 hours to complete the encapsulation.

8. The encapsulation method of the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step (3), the bonding process includes oxygen plasma bonding and / or hot-press bonding. The process includes: first, using oxygen plasma to treat the surface of a PDMS film to generate hydroxyl active groups on its surface; then, placing a thermosensitive hydrogel of different LCSTs on it; and then covering another PDMS film with the thermosensitive hydrogel and pressing it to stand to complete the encapsulation.

9. The encapsulation method of the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch is encapsulated by an encapsulation device, which includes: a working platform for placing the thermosensitive hydrogel and PDMS film, a cleaning and drying unit for pre-treating the PDMS film, a PDMS film bonding unit, and a control system for controlling the operation of each unit; wherein: The cleaning and drying unit uses a combination of an ultrasonic cleaner and a hot air dryer to clean and dry the PDMS film. The PDMS thin film bonding unit is selected from oxygen plasma treatment equipment and / or hot pressing equipment; The control system employs a programmable logic controller.

10. The encapsulation method of the thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature sensing patch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The thermosensitive hydrogel array temperature measuring patch uses TPE as a transparent encapsulation layer. The encapsulation method includes heating the TPE to melt it and then wrapping it around the thermosensitive hydrogel, followed by cooling to form a sealed structure.

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