A Breathable, Passive-Cooling, Non-Inflammatory, and Biodegradable Aerogel Electronic Skin for Wearable Physical-Electrophysiological-Chemical Analysis

Abstract

Real-time monitoring of human health can be significantly improved by designing novel electronic skin (E-skin) platforms that mimic the characteristics and sensitivity of human skin. A high-quality E-skin platform that can simultaneously monitor multiple physiological and metabolic biomarkers without introducing skin discomfort or irritation is an unmet medical need. Conventional E-skins are either monofunctional or made from elastomeric films that do not include key synergistic features of natural skin, such as multi-sensing, breathability, and thermal management capabilities in a single patch. Herein, a biocompatible and biodegradable E-skin patch based on flexible gelatin methacryloyl aerogel (FGA) for non-invasive and continuous monitoring of multiple biomarkers of interest is engineered and demonstrated. Taking advantage of cryogenic temperature treatment and slow polymerization, FGA is fabricated with a highly interconnected porous structure that displays good flexibility, passive-cooling capabilities, and ultra-lightweight properties that make it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It also provides numerous permeable capillary channels for thermal-moisture transfer, ensuring its excellent breathability. Therefore, the engineered FGA-based E-skin can simultaneously monitor body temperature, hydration, and biopotentials via electrophysiological sensors and detect glucose, lactate, and alcohol levels via electrochemical sensors. This work offers a previously unexplored materials strategy for next-generation E-skin platforms with superior practicality.