Project Mentor: Prof. Dhruv R. Seshadri, Bioengineering
2027 Impact Fellows:
Project Description:
Paintable and spray-on electrodes represent an emerging class of skin-conformal bioelectronic interfaces designed for continuous, noninvasive physiological monitoring. Formulated using biocompatible conductive polymers, hydrogels, or sustainable biomaterials, these electrodes can be applied directly to the skin, forming thin, flexible interfaces that minimize motion artifacts and enable reliable acquisition of ECG, EMG, and EEG signals. Unlike conventional adhesive electrodes, spray-on formulations could enable painless removal through gentle washing or dissolution, reducing skin irritation and discomfort. Applications include neonatal monitoring, where fragile skin requires gentle sensor interfaces, and warfighter health monitoring, where lightweight, rapidly deployable electrodes could track cardiac activity, muscle fatigue, and physiological strain in austere environments. By combining low-cost, biodegradable materials with scalable fabrication, spray-on electrodes offer a promising pathway toward comfortable, accessible, and sustainable physiological monitoring.