Skin-like wearable device ‘can monitor cardiovascular and skin health’

US researchers at Northwestern University have developed an innovative wearable medical device that senses heat to monitor heart and skin health.

The mechanically invisible device is designed to be ultra-thin and comfortable, with skin-like properties, and uses thousands of tiny liquid crystals on a flexible substrate to measure heat wirelessly.

Measuring only five sq cm, the unit can be placed directly on the skin and worn 24/7, changing colour in response to various symptoms. For example, it can track blood flow rate, which is of direct relevance to cardiovascular health, as well as monitoring skin moisture levels.

It is based on infrared technology and has been designed to be lightweight, inexpensive and flexible enough to adapt to the movements of the skin.

John Rogers, the paper's corresponding author and professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois, said: "These results provide the first examples of epidermal photonic sensors. This technology significantly expands the range of functionality in skin-mounted devices beyond that possible with electronics alone."