Super-adhesive patches can adapt to different motions for enhanced skin interaction

A analysis group affiliated with UNIST has unveiled an ultra-strong adhesive patch platform that adheres successfully to tough pores and skin surfaces and reveals exceptional movement adaptiveness throughout dynamic physique actions, all whereas providing irritation-free elimination on demand. The important thing to this expertise lies within the floor adaptability impressed by barnacles and armadillo carapaces, which characteristic a tessellated construction that balances rigidity and adaptability.

The group, led by Professor Hoon Eui Jeong from the Division of Mechanical Engineering and Professor Jae Joon Kim from the Division of Electrical Engineering at UNIST, together with researchers from the Nationwide Institute of Ecology (NIE), has launched a extremely adhesive, removable, and stretchable pores and skin patch, often called the Movement Adaptive Tessellation Patch.

This revolutionary expertise is garnering consideration for its potential to facilitate the commercialization of wearable digital units, similar to well being care monitoring techniques and transdermal drug supply techniques. The analysis is published within the journal Superior Supplies.

The group designed this attachment patch by arranging shape memory polymers that mimic the traits of barnacle adhesive proteins and the construction of armadillo armor. This revolutionary strategy permits the adhesive element to regulate its stiffness, permitting it to evolve to uneven surfaces, similar to these present in nature. The mechanism resembles the way in which smooth adhesive proteins fill the contours of tough rocks earlier than hardening to create a robust bond.

The form reminiscence polymer mimics this pure precept, permitting it to stick to the pores and skin’s irregularities whereas enabling simple, irritation-free elimination by means of temperature management. Moreover, this mechanism permits for a number of attachments and detachments by merely adjusting the temperature.

The design is additional enhanced by the incorporation of an armadillo-inspired construction, which promotes flexibility and resilience to make sure that the patch stays securely connected throughout intense actions. The armadillo’s armor incorporates a “tessellation” construction the place smooth collagen fills the areas between exhausting bony fragments, offering important power whereas nonetheless permitting for motion. By emulating this construction, the analysis group maximized adhesion by integrating elastic polymers with the form reminiscence polymer.

“Existing body-attached devices often fall short in terms of durability against deformation and repetitive stress induced by movement, frequently leading to skin irritation and discomfort during prolonged use,” acknowledged Professor Jeong. “Through this study, we have developed an innovative adhesive technology capable of addressing these challenges.”

These attachable digital units not solely keep adhesion whereas operating or navigating stairs however are additionally able to measuring vital signs similar to coronary heart charge and blood strain.

Professor Kim stated, “To effectively embed batteries and sensors in these devices while acquiring high-quality bio-signals, it is crucial to maintain adhesion during vigorous movements. Our research seeks to overcome the limitations of existing technologies that restrict usability due to motion constraints. We aim to leverage these findings to facilitate technology transfer and initiate a startup.”