Continuous body temperature monitoring system based on a flexible PPy/PLA wristband

Abstract

A flexible wristband for continuously measuring body temperature was fabricated using a conductive organic polymer, polypyrrole (PPy) and a biodegradable and biocompatible polyester, polylactic acid (PLA). Changes in the PPy/PLA membrane resistivity were observed according to variations of temperature, thus, the response was characterized. Experimental results showed an almost linear and inversely proportional behaviour between the temperature and the resistance of the PPy/PLA wristband. In addition, the LabView based system for continuously monitoring and recording body temperature has been described. This proposed system is a promising tool for medical care due to its reliability for using over a long period of time so that medical staff will no longer have to manually take the patient’s temperature, therefore, nursing workload is reduced as well as the quality of medical care is improved.