Wednesday, 4 October 2017: 14:50
Chesapeake J (Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center)
Electrocardiography (ECG) is an essential technique for analyzing the proper electrical functioning of heart. Traditionally Ag/AgCl electrodes have been used for monitoring ECG signal from the body. However, Ag/AgCl is known to cause skin irritation on prolonged usage and measurements cannot be done in wet conditions. Conjugated polymers, with their mixed ionic and electronic conduction, offer an alternative to Ag/AgCl. This work provides an easy to fabricate ECG sensor from commercially available PEDOT:PSS using screen printing technique onto a commercially sold T-shirt. ECG signals from screen printed PEDOT:PSS electrodes were recorded during motion at a heart rate of up to 180 bpm. Variation of ECG signal amplitude vs impedance of electrodes was studied. In addition, PEDOT:PSS was also demonstrated to work as an organic wire for copper lead replacement used in recording ECG signals. Reusability of the shirt was demonstrated by recording ECG signal under active exercise even after 3 wash cycles and subsequent drying.