New Printable, Lightweight Sensor Detects Body Temperature

First Posted: Nov 10, 2015 12:24 PM EST

Researchers have created a new printable lightweight sensor that is capable of detecting miniature thermal changes in human body temperature, according to a study at the University of Tokyo.

"By printing an array of these sensors it is possible to measure surface temperature over a large area," Professor Takao Someya, researcher of the study, said in a news release. "This sensor array can be attached to biological tissue such as the skin for precise monitoring in medical applications."

The new sensor is ideal for health care and welfare applications, where it can facilitate devices that monitor body temperature, and is capable of making accurate temperature measurements without complicated display circuitry, according to the researchers.

The sensor is built with graphite and a semicrystalline acrylate polymer. The key to the new sensor enables the researchers to control the target temperature. The researchers were able to reach target temperatures of 25 and 50 degrees centigrade. The average human body temperature was included in the sensor's range.

In addition, the device works accurately even under prolonged periods. When the researchers tested the sensor, it was capable of repeating accurate readings up to 1,800 times. The researchers used their sensor to test the lung temperature of a rat, where they found a successful reading of 0.1 degrees celcius.

"Because the huge response of the sensor to temperature change allows us to simplify the circuitry, we could print our sensors onto adhesive plasters that could then monitor body temperature," Someya said. "For example, a plaster applied directly to a wound or after surgery could provide warning of infection by detecting local changes in temperature due to inflammation."

The researchers are examining other possible applications for their new sensor.

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Tagsthermal sensor, Sensors, Body Temperature, Temperature, Degrees Celcius, The University of Tokyo, University of Tokyo, printable lightweight sensor, printable sensor, lightweight sensor, Flexible sensor, Thermal, Temeprature