Rapid Manufacturing Approach of an Ultrathin Moisture Sensor for Health Monitoring

• Published in: Sensors Vol. 23; no. 9; p. 4262
• Main Authors: Zhang, Lan, Lu, Jian, Takashi, En, Matsumoto, Sohei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 25.04.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Animal experimentation; Animals; Chemical technology; Design; Electrodes; Engineering; Manufacturing; Methods; Printed circuit boards; rapid jet printing technology; Rats; real-time measurement; Sensors; Smartphones; Software; Technology; TP1-1185; ultrathin moisture sensor; ultrathin moisture sensor; urine health monitoring; real-time measurement; rapid jet printing technology; Urination; Urine; urine health monitoring; User interface; Japan; ultrathin moisture sensor; real-time measurement; urine health monitoring; rapid jet printing technology
• ISSN: 1424-8220; 1424-8220
• DOI: 10.3390/s23094262

This study developed a rapid manufacturing approach for a moisture sensor based on contactless jet printing technology. A compact measurement system with ultrathin and flexure sensor electrodes was fabricated. The proposed sensor system focuses on continuous urine measurement, which can provide timely information on subjects to ensure efficient diagnosis and treatment. The obtained results verify that the proposed sensor system can exhibit a typical responsivity of up to −7.76 mV/%RH in the high-sensitivity range of 50–80 %RH. A preliminary field experiment was conducted on a hairless rat, and the effectiveness of the proposed ultrathin moisture sensor was verified. This ultrathin sensor electrode can be fabricated in the micrometer range, and its application does not affect the comfort of the user. The ultrathin electrode sensors can be printed directly on the diaper or undergarment of the user for in situ urine health monitoring, particularly of infants and the elderly.