Scientists from Duke University (USA) have developed a new method of printing electronic circuit boards using a special printer. The resulting devices are so thin that they can be applied directly to the skin, like temporary tattoos. Boards can also be printed on paper or other materials such as adhesives or bandages. Unlike previous similar developments, the new technology allows printing at a lower temperature, and finished boards are easily supplemented with new elements. It is reported by ACS Nano.

Such printing technology can be used to create devices for monitoring the condition of patients on dressings, as well as for printing “electronic tattoos”. Similar printing methods existed before, but similar boards were applied to a plastic or rubber film, which was then glued to the skin. Such an “electronic patch” was worn relatively briefly, and it took more time to make it.

A team from Duke University did not say how long printed circuit boards were on the skin, but in earlier experiments at the University of Illinois, similar devices could last for several weeks.

“In different years, a lot of research came out, the authors of which claimed the creation of“ fully printed electronic circuit boards ”, but in reality, they had to take out blanks repeatedly for sintering, washing or coating by centrifugation using their technology. For the first time, our method fully meets the expectations of the public, ”says Aaron Franklin, associate professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University.

Scientists have developed special inks containing silver nanowires, which are applied to any surface using an aerosol printer and dry in less than 2 minutes, while providing electrical conductivity without any additional processing.

  • © Nick Williams, Duke University

The new method is unlikely to be massively used for the production of implantable electronics, developers say. In their opinion, the technology is suitable for the rapid creation of individual wearable devices, including those with integrated electronic biosensors.