Human-Adaptable Sensors for Wearable Healthcare Monitors

In the introduction chapter, the background, research aims, and context of the thesis have been introduced, including the significance of wearable healthcare monitors. The importance of material selection for wearable devices has been discussed, focusing on key properties such as conductivity, self-healing, elasticity, and adhesion. The review of the literature highlights the various materials used in wearable healthcare devices, including conductive fillers, conductive polymers, and other materials. The different types of sensors and sensing mechanisms for monitoring various parameters such as tissue regeneration, biomolecules, pressure and strain, pH, temperature, and humidity have been discussed. The chapter also sheds light on the fabrication methods used in wearable devices, including 3D printing and the challenges associated with it.
This study investigates the development and potential applications of cutting-edge materials, known as (Conductive Adhesive Reconfigurable Elastic gum like material) CareGum, which are designed to address the limitations of traditional rigid electronics in wearable healthcare monitors. CareGum is a novel material comprised of adhesive, self-healing, and stretchable gum-like substances synthesized by crosslinking polyethylene oxide or silk fibroin. The material exhibits mechanical flexibility, electrical conductivity, and self-healing properties. By adjusting the molar ratio of components, crosslinker, and pH, the material's properties can be tailored to suit specific applications.
Moreover, CareGum's multimodal sensing capabilities facilitate the simultaneous monitoring of diverse physical parameters, including pressure and strain, temperature and humidity, and pH. This opens up exciting possibilities for diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions. The material's remarkable self-healing properties render it a promising candidate for use in demanding environments. CareGum's rapid self-healing time and high healing efficiency enable it to withstand harsh conditions, further broadening its potential applications in exploration robotics.