Demand for electrocardiogram (ECG) patches to monitor heart conditions is projected to increase significantly by 2030, a trend that does not bode well for the environmental footprint of the healthcare sector. These wearable devices contribute to the mounting volumes of plastic and electronic waste discarded annually worldwide, prompting the development of a biodegradable and recyclable ECG patch at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

A new cellulose e-skin material replaces plastic in the device, which is composed of plant-based nanocellulose and printed with removable and reusable carbon conductors and sensing electrodes. The design offers a more sustainable alternative to current patches with electrical components embedded on a fossil fuel-derived substrate.

The device consists of removable and reusable electronics and a biodegradable single-use skin patch. Source: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

“Ours is the first nanocellulose-based ECG patch with no plastic additives. The wider implications go beyond ECG as cellulose e-skin can be used in a wide array of wearable devices in the future. The film is strong, flexible, transparent, breathable and has good printability. Potential other applications could be, for instance, in printed energy storage and harvesting devices,” said Aayush Jaiswal, research scientist at VTT.

The developers are now seeking partners who are interested in industrial scale manufacturing of sustainable wearable electronics.