Microbial Nanocellulose Printed Circuit Boards for Medical Sensing

We demonstrate the viability of using ultra-thin sheets of microbially grown nanocellulose to build functional medical sensors. Microbially grown nanocellulose is an interesting alternative to plastics, as it is hydrophilic, biocompatible, porous, and hydrogen bonding, thereby allowing the potential...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jonathan D. Yuen, Lisa C. Shriver-Lake, Scott A. Walper, Daniel Zabetakis, Joyce C. Breger, David A. Stenger
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-04-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/20/7/2047
Description
Summary:We demonstrate the viability of using ultra-thin sheets of microbially grown nanocellulose to build functional medical sensors. Microbially grown nanocellulose is an interesting alternative to plastics, as it is hydrophilic, biocompatible, porous, and hydrogen bonding, thereby allowing the potential development of new application routes. Exploiting the distinguishing properties of this material enables us to develop solution-based processes to create nanocellulose printed circuit boards, allowing a variety of electronics to be mounted onto our nanocellulose. As proofs of concept, we have demonstrated applications in medical sensing such as heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing—potential applications fitting the wide-ranging paradigm of a future where the Internet of Things is dominant.
ISSN:1424-8220