1
|
Vazquez R, Motovilova E, Winkler SA. Stretchable Sensor Materials Applicable to Radiofrequency Coil Design in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:3390. [PMID: 38894182 PMCID: PMC11174967 DOI: 10.3390/s24113390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Wearable sensors are rapidly gaining influence in the diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment of disease, thereby improving patient outcomes. In this review, we aim to explore how these advances can be applied to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We begin by (i) introducing limitations in current flexible/stretchable RF coils and then move to the broader field of flexible sensor technology to identify translatable technologies. To this goal, we discuss (ii) emerging materials currently used for sensor substrates, (iii) stretchable conductive materials, (iv) pairing and matching of conductors with substrates, and (v) implementation of lumped elements such as capacitors. Applicable (vi) fabrication methods are presented, and the review concludes with a brief commentary on (vii) the implementation of the discussed sensor technologies in MRI coil applications. The main takeaway of our research is that a large body of work has led to exciting new sensor innovations allowing for stretchable wearables, but further exploration of materials and manufacturing techniques remains necessary, especially when applied to MRI diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rigoberto Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Simone Angela Winkler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu C, Zheng J, Fu J. Electrospinning Nanofibers as Stretchable Sensors for Wearable Devices. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300274. [PMID: 37653597 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Wearable devices attract great attention in intelligent medicine, electronic skin, artificial intelligence robots, and so on. However, boundedness of traditional sensors based on rigid materials unconstrained self-multilayer structure assembly and dense substrate in stretchability and permeability limits their applications. The network structure of the elastomeric nanofibers gives them excellent air permeability and stretchability. By introducing metal nanofillers, intrinsic conductive polymers, carbon materials, and other methods to construct conductive paths, stretchable conductors can be effectively prepared by elastomeric nanofibers, showing great potential in the field of flexible sensors. This perspective briefly introduces the representative preparations of conductive thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, and hydrogel nanofibers by electrospinning and the application of integrated electronic devices in biological signal detection. The main challenge is to unify the stretchability and conductivity of the fiber structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Canjie Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Functional Biomaterials Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronic Materials and Wearable Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, 135 Xingang Road West, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jingxia Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Functional Biomaterials Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronic Materials and Wearable Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, 135 Xingang Road West, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Functional Biomaterials Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronic Materials and Wearable Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, 135 Xingang Road West, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dinuwan
Gunawardhana KRS, Simorangkir RBVB, McGuinness GB, Rasel MS, Magre Colorado LA, Baberwal SS, Ward TE, O’Flynn B, Coyle SM. The Potential of Electrospinning to Enable the Realization of Energy-Autonomous Wearable Sensing Systems. ACS NANO 2024; 18:2649-2684. [PMID: 38230863 PMCID: PMC10832067 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The market for wearable electronic devices is experiencing significant growth and increasing potential for the future. Researchers worldwide are actively working to improve these devices, particularly in developing wearable electronics with balanced functionality and wearability for commercialization. Electrospinning, a technology that creates nano/microfiber-based membranes with high surface area, porosity, and favorable mechanical properties for human in vitro and in vivo applications using a broad range of materials, is proving to be a promising approach. Wearable electronic devices can use mechanical, thermal, evaporative and solar energy harvesting technologies to generate power for future energy needs, providing more options than traditional sources. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of how electrospinning technology can be used in energy-autonomous wearable wireless sensing systems. It provides an overview of the electrospinning technology, fundamental mechanisms, and applications in energy scavenging, human physiological signal sensing, energy storage, and antenna for data transmission. The review discusses combining wearable electronic technology and textile engineering to create superior wearable devices and increase future collaboration opportunities. Additionally, the challenges related to conducting appropriate testing for market-ready products using these devices are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. R. Sanjaya Dinuwan
Gunawardhana
- School
of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin D09Y074, Dublin, Ireland
- Insight
SFI Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City
University, Glasnevin D09Y074, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - M. Salauddin Rasel
- Insight
SFI Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City
University, Glasnevin D09Y074, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luz A. Magre Colorado
- School
of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin D09Y074, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sonal S. Baberwal
- School
of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin D09Y074, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tomás E. Ward
- Insight
SFI Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City
University, Glasnevin D09Y074, Dublin, Ireland
- School
of Computing, Dublin City University, Glasnevin D09Y074, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brendan O’Flynn
- Tyndall
National Institute, Lee Maltings Complex
Dyke Parade, T12R5CP Cork, Ireland
| | - Shirley M. Coyle
- School
of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin D09Y074, Dublin, Ireland
- Insight
SFI Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City
University, Glasnevin D09Y074, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Moradi A, Szewczyk PK, Stachewicz U. Bridging a Gap in Thermal Conductivity and Heat Transfer in Hybrid Fibers and Yarns via Polyimide and Silicon Nitride Composites. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2305104. [PMID: 37553775 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The pressing issues of the energy crisis and rapid electronics development have sparked a growing interest in the production of highly thermally conductive polymer composites. Due to the challenges related to the poor processability of hybrid materials and filler distribution to achieve high thermal conductivity, electrospinning is employed to create composite nanofibers and yarns using polyimide (PI) and thermally conductive silicon nitride (SiN) nanoparticles. The thermal performance of the individual nanofibers is evaluated using scanning thermal microscopy (SThM), providing significant insights into their heat transfer performance. Next, the nanofibers are applied as coatings on resistance wires to assess the thermal conductivity and insulation properties. Notably, the samples containing 35 wt.% of SiN exhibit a 25% increase in surface temperature. These innovative materials hold great promise as exceptional candidates for smart textiles and thermal management applications, addressing the growing demand for effective heat dissipation and regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadreza Moradi
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| | - Piotr K Szewczyk
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| | - Urszula Stachewicz
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiang C, Li T, Huang X, Guo R. Patterned Liquid-Metal-Enabled Universal Soft Electronics (PLUS-E) for Deformation Sensing on 3D Curved Surfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37878994 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metals with metallic conductivity and infinitely deformable properties have tremendous potential in the field of conformal electronics. However, most processing methods of liquid metal electronics require sophisticated apparatus or custom masks, resulting in high processing costs and intricate preparation procedures. This study proposes a simple and rapid preparation method for patterned liquid-metal-enabled universal soft electronics (PLUS-E). The utilization of selective adhesion of the liquid metals on stretchable substrates and the adaptive toner mask enables rapid fabrication (<2 s/100 cm2), excellent stretchability (800% strain), and high forming accuracy (100 μm). Benefiting from the adaptive deformation of the substrate and toner mask, PLUS-E can be conformally applied to any shape of 3D surfaces. Besides, the stability of PLUS-E on 3D surfaces is improved by low-fluidity liquid metal composites. The finite element simulation is used to accurately forecast the deformation and resistance changes of the PLUS-E, and it provides guidance for device design and manufacturing. Finally, this method was utilized to develop various sensors for detecting human motion, catheter bending, and balloon expansion. All of them have obtained stable and reliable signal measurements, demonstrating the usefulness of PLUS-E in real-world applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengjie Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xian Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
- Flexible Wearable Technology Research Center, Institute of Flexible Electronics Technology of Tsinghua, 906 Yatai Road, Jiaxing 314033, China
- Institute of Wearable Technology and Bioelectronics, Qiantang Science and Technology Innovation Center, 1002 23rd Street, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang B, Yang Z, Tang L. Recent progress in fiber-based soft electronics enabled by liquid metal. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1178995. [PMID: 37187888 PMCID: PMC10175636 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1178995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft electronics can seamlessly integrate with the human skin which will greatly improve the quality of life in the fields of healthcare monitoring, disease treatment, virtual reality, and human-machine interfaces. Currently, the stretchability of most soft electronics is achieved by incorporating stretchable conductors with elastic substrates. Among stretchable conductors, liquid metals stand out for their metal-grade conductivity, liquid-grade deformability, and relatively low cost. However, the elastic substrates usually composed of silicone rubber, polyurethane, and hydrogels have poor air permeability, and long-term exposure can cause skin redness and irritation. The substrates composed of fibers usually have excellent air permeability due to their high porosity, making them ideal substrates for soft electronics in long-term applications. Fibers can be woven directly into various shapes, or formed into various shapes on the mold by spinning techniques such as electrospinning. Here, we provide an overview of fiber-based soft electronics enabled by liquid metals. An introduction to the spinning technology is provided. Typical applications and patterning strategies of liquid metal are presented. We review the latest progress in the design and fabrication of representative liquid metal fibers and their application in soft electronics such as conductors, sensors, and energy harvesting. Finally, we discuss the challenges of fiber-based soft electronics and provide an outlook on future prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Yang
- Fashion Accessory Art and Engineering College, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zihan Yang, ; Lixue Tang,
| | - Lixue Tang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zihan Yang, ; Lixue Tang,
| |
Collapse
|