Elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane polymer on conductive interdigitated electrode for analyzing skin hydration dynamics
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2020
Abstract
With an approach towards generating a wearable skin hydration detecting system, simple, cheap, and flexible skin hydration sensing strategy was demonstrated here using an interdigitated electrode (IDE) coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. Aluminium IDE with a 400 mu m gap and 250 mu m electrode sizes were fabricated using a photolithography method. Morphological characterizations were performed using a high power microscope, 3D-profilometer, and scanning electron microscope. The dimensions of electrodes and gaps measured through electron microscopic analysis affirmed the exactness of IDE and the fabrication process. After coated with PDMS polymer, the IDE/PDMS surface was examined under a high power microscope and 3D-profilometer. The optical characterization revealed the polymer was coated on IDE through the color-shade changes and smooth surface observed under an optical microscope and the respective 3D-visualization. IDE/PDMS was also analyzed by an atomic force microscope, revealing the smoothness of the IDE surface. Electrical characterizations were performed using different pH and urea solutions and the sweat to investigate the influence of real-time and artificial sweat on IDE/PDMS. As the device showed appropriate results with real-time sweat and no effect with artificial interferences, it is highly encouraged and recommended for detecting skin hydration and the related illnesses with the point-of-care concept.
Keywords
Skin sensor, Optical characterization, Skin hydration, Sweat
Divisions
nanotechnology
Funders
Ministry of Education Malaysia under the fundamental research grant scheme, Government of Malaysia (FRGS/1/2018/TK04/UNIMAP/02/28)
Publication Title
Applied Physics A
Volume
126
Issue
9
Publisher
Springer Heidelberg
Publisher Location
TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY