Wireless, flexible, and disposable sensing devices enabling real-time long-term patient medical care for pressure injury prevention
Journal
Journal of Materials Chemistry C
Journal Volume
13
Journal Issue
16
Start Page
7943
End Page
7956
ISSN
2050-7526
2050-7534
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Ta-Sheng Chang
Chiao-Wen Chien
Elmer Ismael Guerra
Ting-Yi Wang
Chien-Wei Huang
Ying-Siou Lin
Jung-Chen Chang
Abstract
Pressure injuries have become one of the most prevalent long-term healthcare challenges, and efficient detection of pressure on body tissues, especially over bony prominences, is essential for determining appropriate relief interventions. In the post-epidemic era, heightened awareness of infection risks and personal healthcare has strongly demanded disposable medical devices with durable functionality. In response, we introduce a wireless, flexible, and disposable sensing device designed for long-term stress monitoring and pressure injury prevention on the human-body. A porous paper matrix embedded with CNT-PEDOT composites establishes compressible conducting networks, enabling sensitive external pressure detection through piezoresistive effects. The dispersion of CNT-PEDOT aggregates and their distinctive gradient distribution throughout the porous paper structure provide controlled conductivity and sensitivity within the device. A multilayer design is achieved through selective drop-casting and preferential stacking forms alternating conductive/nonconductive interfaces, effectively modulating the device's electrical properties. With an outstanding sensitivity of 40.09 kPa−1, a rapid response time of 125 ms, a broad pressure detection range of 0 to 100 kPa, good durability exceeding 1000 cycles, and consistent reproducibility across 500 times, this integrated sensor demonstrates strong potential for medical device applications. When integrated with a bluetooth module, the multichannel wireless detection system enables real-time remote monitoring of human movement. It accurately identifies various body postures with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, achieving near 100% accuracy in clinical tests. In practice, the proposed sensor offers a promising solution for physiological signal monitoring, addressing both the cost and efficiency challenges associated with manufacturing disposable medical equipment. This approach is anticipated to significantly support caregivers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community home-care settings by facilitating effective, science-based pressure injury prevention in long-term patient management.
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Type
journal article