Development of Flexible Electronic Biosensors for Healthcare Engineering
Flexible wearable devices present several advantages over traditional heavy devices, including enhanced softness, light weight, flexibility, and comfort. These characteristics make them specifically well-suited for prolonged health monitoring of physiological parameters such as pulse and respiration.
The paper revisits the field of electronic technology by reviewing recent advancements in flexible wearable sensing from an electronic sensing perspective. It summarizes developments in sensing mechanisms, system architectures, and the typical applications of continuous monitoring.
Flexible sensors integrate sensing control units, signal processing circuits, and wireless communication modules, which facilitate multi-parameter, real-time, and non-invasive health monitoring. They are characterized by high sensitivity, low detection thresholds, and adaptability to various complex environments. Flexible sensors can monitor external stimuli such as pressure, temperature, and humidity and can also interface with diagnostic systems. This integration assists healthcare providers in developing personalized treatment plans, thus improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
Among the most common types of flexible sensors are piezoresistive, capacitive, and piezoelectric sensors, each with advantages and limitations. Piezoresistive sensors are widely used for their compact size, lightweight, ease of integration, and straightforward manufacturing process. Capacitive sensors offer a simple structure and high sensitivity but are more prone to interference. Piezoelectric sensors provide rapid response times and high signal-to-noise ratios but may exhibit reduced performance in low-pressure conditions. The diverse capabilities of these sensor types contribute to the expanding application of wearable electronic devices, especially in the healthcare sector.
Structurally, flexible sensor systems typically comprise several functional modules, including power supplies, data acquisition units, signal processing components, data transmission systems, and display interfaces. These systems capture physiological signals through sensors, amplify and convert them into digital formats, and transmit the data via wired or wireless connections. The processed data are then presented as intuitive graphs or numerical values. This integrated approach minimizes dependence on external devices and enhances the autonomy and portability of wearable technology.
Recent innovations have introduced various visualization devices to simplify data presentation and make monitoring results more intuitive, particularly for users unfamiliar with smartphones. For example, flexible wearable devices produced using 3D printing technology can convey information such as ultraviolet exposure, temperature, and sweat pH levels through color changes without requiring power or data processing. These interactive visualization tools are particularly useful in scenarios involving children, senior citizens, or individuals in underdeveloped regions.
Advancements in self-powered technology have further led to the development of flexible electronic devices. Energy harvesters capture energy generated from human movements to power these devices, thus extending the operational lifespan. Moreover, distributed sensor network systems, which deploy multiple sensor nodes across different body regions, enable real-time physiological signal capture and wireless data transmission to smart devices. These technological advancements enhance the functional integration, flexibility, and comfort of wearable devices.
Future evolution of flexible wearable devices is expected to focus on greater integration, non-invasive real-time monitoring, and self-powered functionalities of the wearable biosensors. These devices will revolutionize healthcare through interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing technological innovation, facilitating personalized medical diagnoses and precise treatments.