Electronic-ECM: A Permeable Microporous Elastomer for an Advanced Bio-integrated Continuous Sensing Platform

 Background: 

Bio-integrated electronics are an emerging class of wearable devices capable of exploiting the native tissue’s mechanical and structural characteristics to provide an innate, seamless integration of soft electronics with biological tissue. These systems can non-invasively monitor the physiochemical microenvironment to analyze a broad range of biomarkers, quantifying pathophysiological progression, health status, and athletic performance.

 Technology Overview: 

Inspired by the dermal extracellular matrix, Dr. Ahyeon Koh has developed a three‐ dimensional, ultrathin, and fibrous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane engineered for adhesion to skin and chronic continuous monitoring applications. The elastic PDMS mesh has a minimal mechanical footprint, with elasticity and durability comparable to skin tissue. The self-adhesive platform exhibits biomimetic viscoelastic and nonlinear mechanics, cytocompatibility, and a bio‐fluid permeable interface for transdermal water, gas, and small molecule diffusion for stretchable bioelectronics.

 Advantages: 

• Biomimetric: inspired by the skin extracellular matrix with mechanic characteristics comparable to the epidermis.
• Permeable: demonstrated diffusion of various small molecules, gases, and transdermal water.
• Biocompatible: keratinocyte viability on the PDMS mesh for up to 7 days.
• Self-adhesive: durable bonding mechanism mitigating the need for adhesive.

 Applications: 

• Wound Care
• Bio-integrated wearable electronics for monitoring:
  • Various biomarkers
  • Athletic performance
  • Vital signs
  • Health status