Danger Dust

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), electronic components based on flexible organic materials that can amplify biological signals, have proven promising for developing wearable technologies that monitor subtler health related signals. For instance, these flexible transistors could pick up information about glucose, lactate, cortisol and pH levels, as well as neurotransmitters and metabolites, which could be highly beneficial for diagnosing or monitoring specific medical conditions.

Despite the advantages of OECTs, the data they collect must then also be transmitted to external devices, which entails the use of wireless communication circuits. These circuits are typically based on inorganic and rigid materials, which can increase the size and thickness of devices, while reducing their mechanical flexibility.

Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) recently developed a new wireless device that can monitor various biomarkers, including glucose, lactate and pH levels. This device, presented in a paper in Nature Electronics, effectively integrates components based on organic and inorganic materials, resulting in good performance and excellent mechanical stability, with an overall thickness of 4 μm.