Nanofiber Mesh Bioelectrode Adhesion and Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioelectrodes face challenges with biocompatibility, flexibility, and long-term attachment to skin or tissue due to material incompatibilities and poor permeability, leading to dermatitis and detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A nanofiber mesh bioelectrode with a network structure of biocompatible water-soluble polymers and a conductive layer, optionally including a protective and insulating layer, is developed, allowing for excellent biocompatibility, flexibility, and permeability, and eliminating the need for separate adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal layer is formed on polydimethylsiloxane substrate, then conductivity is achieved, but adhesion between metal layer and substrate deteriorates due to material incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the polydimethylsiloxane substrate and the metal layer to improve adhesion. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that is compatible with both materials, resolving the adhesion problem caused by direct contact between incompatible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining polydimethylsiloxane with other materials that have compatible properties. By creating a composite substrate or interface layer, the patent achieves both the flexibility and biocompatibility of polydimethylsiloxane while enabling proper metal layer adhesion.
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat substrate is used for bioelectrode, then ease of manufacture is improved, but permeability to sweat and gas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous or mesh-like substrate structures instead of solid flat substrates. These porous materials maintain the ease of fabrication while providing pathways for sweat and gas permeation, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and permeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions or aspects of the substrate. The substrate may have flat regions for electrical contact while incorporating porous or breathable regions for permeability, allowing each area to optimize its local function.
3Strength
If adhesive material is used for skin attachment, then attachment strength is improved, but dermatitis is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the substrate itself to provide attachment functionality through its inherent properties rather than requiring separate adhesive materials. The substrate may have adhesive coatings integrated into its structure or mechanical features that enable secure attachment without additional chemicals, thus avoiding dermatitis while maintaining attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties or chemical composition of the substrate to enable attachment without traditional adhesives. By changing parameters such as surface energy, roughness, or incorporating biocompatible functional groups, the substrate achieves both secure attachment and skin safety.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid substrate is used for bioelectrode, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin film or shell structures that can bend and conform to body surfaces while maintaining structural integrity. These flexible substrates provide both the stability needed for reliable electrical contact and the flexibility required for comfort and adaptability to movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic or semi-rigid structures that can adapt their stiffness based on conditions. The substrate may have regions of varying rigidity or mechanisms that allow it to flex under certain conditions while maintaining stability during measurement, balancing both requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The nanofiber mesh bioelectrode provides stable, long-term attachment and measurement capabilities without causing dermatitis, maintaining flexibility and conductivity even with body movement, and enabling effective biosignal monitoring and stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
nanofibers containing a biocompatible water-soluble polymer are entangled in a network form
Implementation Method 2
a conductive layer coated on the nanofiber mesh sheet and including a conductive material
Implementation Method 3
a protective layer formed between the nanofiber mesh sheet and the conductive layer and containing a biocompatible hydrophobic polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a nanofiber mesh bioelectrode including: a nanofiber mesh sheet in which nanofibers containing a biocompatible water-soluble polymer are entangled in a network form; and a conductive layer coated on the nanofiber mesh sheet and including a conductive material, and a method of producing the same. The nanofiber mesh bioelectrode according to the present invention does not cause discomfort when applied to a living body due to its excellent biocompatibility and excellent flexibility, and easily measures a biosignal or easily applies stimulation for a long period of time, as the nanofiber mesh bioelectrode is not easily detached.