Ultrathin Hydrogel Films toward Breathable Skin-Integrated Electronics

Adv Mater. 2023 Jan;35(1):e2206793. doi: 10.1002/adma.202206793. Epub 2022 Nov 20.

Abstract

On-skin electronics that offer revolutionary capabilities in personalized diagnosis, therapeutics, and human-machine interfaces require seamless integration between the skin and electronics. A common question remains whether an ideal interface can be introduced to directly bridge thin-film electronics with the soft skin, allowing the skin to breathe freely and the skin-integrated electronics to function stably. Here, an ever-thinnest hydrogel is reported that is compliant to the glyphic lines and subtle minutiae on the skin without forming air gaps, produced by a facile cold-lamination method. The hydrogels exhibit high water-vapor permeability, allowing nearly unimpeded transepidermal water loss and free breathing of the skin underneath. Hydrogel-interfaced flexible (opto)electronics without causing skin irritation or accelerated device performance deterioration are demonstrated. The long-term applicability is recorded for over one week. With combined features of extreme mechanical compliance, high permeability, and biocompatibility, the ultrathin hydrogel interface promotes the general applicability of skin-integrated electronics.

Keywords: flexible (opto)electronics; mechanical compliance; skin-integrated electronics; ultrathin hydrogels; water-vapor permeability.

MeSH terms

  • Electronics*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels
  • Methylgalactosides
  • Skin*

Substances

  • hydrogel film
  • Methylgalactosides
  • Hydrogels