Trends in Epidermal Stretchable Electronics for Noninvasive Long-term Healthcare Applications

Abstract

Stretchable electronic devices hold the potential to revolutionize noninvasive healthcare diagnostics and treatments. Current clinical healthcare technologies are of limited use in ambulatory, long-term settings. A new class of epidermal electronics is designed to conform closely to and with the irregular shape of the human body is emerging, providing an improved functional interface even during motion, while being imperceptible to the user. This review discusses challenges associated with long-term interactions between electronic devices and the skin without interfering with its regulatory and protective function. We report on the current state of the art of monitoring devices for the detection of temperature, motion, biopotentials or biomarkers alongside therapeutic approaches for thermal treatment or drug delivery. In particular, focus is brought on the long-term application of such devices with the associated challenges in terms of materials, wearability, communication and energy supply. With a number of obstacles left to tackle, epidermal stretchable electronics represents a powerful tool in the rising field of personalized medicine.