The international scientific project XPatch brings together experts in biosensor technology to offer patches equipped with microelectronics for the fitness and medical technology market that can analyze fitness data and display it directly on digital end devices.
The small health monitor contains antennas and integrated circuits for wireless radio communication with a Bluetooth-enabled end device, a flexible micro-battery for self-sufficient energy supply, the analog electronics, the sensor chip and the power management. The research team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM developed assembly and integration technology to realize thin biosensors and electronic components as flexible patches that enable practical use by athletes in everyday life. The overall system in the form of a patch, including all built-in components and functionalities, should ultimately be significantly thinner than 1 mm.
As XPatch is a biocompatible and flexible module for application to the skin, soft and stretchable materials such as polyurethane and silicone were used. By embedding the electronics in soft materials, all components are protected from the back of the patch and do not come into direct contact with the skin. The special highlight, however, are the thin biochemical sensor chips: they are applied to the sensitive patch surface where contact with the skin is guaranteed.
Source: Fraunhofer-IZM
