Smart MXene-based bioelectronic devices as wearable health monitor for sensing human physiological signals

Abstract

Biosafe wearable healthcare monitor has attracted significant attention owing to their applicability to wearable electronics. However, the narrow sensing range and poor response limit the application of flexible devices for comprehensive monitoring of human health-related physiological signals (i.e., pulse diagnosis). Critical challenges remain in the development of biocompatible materials and the design of flexible bio-integrated platforms for these purposes, targeting performance approaching those of conventional wafer-based technologies and long-term operational stability. In this context, this work presents a robust and flexible MXene/polydopamine (PDA)-composite-film-based pressure sensor in a portable/wearable fashion, which establishes a unique intercalated spherical-like PDA molecules structure, thereby resulting in excellent sensing performance. The MXene/PDA-based pressure sensor has sensitivity of up to 138.8 kPa−1 in the pressure range of 0.18–6.20 kPa with fast response and recovery speed (t1 < 100 ms; t2< 50 ms). Associated embodiment involves real-time precise measurements of a variety of health-related physiological signals, ranging from wrist pulse, to finger motions, to vocalization and to facial expressions, with high sensitivity and accuracy. Studies on human subjects establish the clinical significance of these devices for future opportunities of health monitoring and intelligent control to predict and diagnose diseases.