A flexible and stretchable wireless health monitoring sensor platform connected to a mobile device

In this book, a flexible and stretchable wireless health monitoring sensor platform connected to a mobile device was designed from scratch, built and patented. The platform consists of a wireless, flexible and stretchable electronic plaster located on the skin and an RFID-reader in the form of a micro-USB-stick operated with a mobile application. The wireless tag is made of a thin layer of metal and electronic components which are encapsulated in a stretchable and flexible thin layer of a transparent, biocompatible polymer. The electronic plaster can be reversibly stretched up to 50% and is lightweight, waterproof, biocompatible and adhesive, so that it can be easily placed on human skin for up to 30 days. Moreover, because of its gas permeability and simultaneous bacteria impenetrability the electronic plaster is a perfect breathable wound dressing. It is important to note that almost any sensor can be implemented in this electronic plaster. The system was successfully tested with a temperature sensor and a flexible high-performance silicon nanowire based biosensor for early detection of avian influenza virus DNA sequences. The developed and patented mobile RFID-receiver wirelessly powers the plaster and collects medical signals. These signals are then amplified, filtered, and recalculated in a digital signal processor. The collected data is show n in a patient-friendly format on the display of a mobile Android device such as a smartphone or tablet. The developed app makes it possible to evaluate and save data, as well as send it to a physician if necessary. With its modular design, the platform supports monitoring of vital parameters and provides a reliable, comfortable, and economical solution for hospitals, nursing homes, as well as everyday users.