Conducting Silk-Based Electrodes

Opportunity  

The market stretchable and breathable conducting polymer electrodes based on silk fibre mats presents significant opportunities across multiple industries. In healthcare, these electrodes enhance wearable health monitoring devices, providing comfort and reliability for continuous health tracking. The global wearable medical device market is poised for substantial growth due to an ageing population and increasing healthcare costs. 

In the sports and fitness industry, breathable electrodes improve performance and comfort in wearable fitness trackers, aligning with the growing focus on health and fitness. This technology also enables skin-integrated electronics, supporting personalised medicine, pain management and neurological research. The rising demand for remote patient monitoring further highlights the potential of these electrodes to reduce hospitalisation rates and offer efficient healthcare solutions. 

Additionally, the fashion industry can incorporate this technology into smart garments, creating clothing that monitors health and offers entertainment. The potential for collaboration, research and development across various fields can unlock the full potential of this innovative technology, integrating it into practical solutions that maximises its impact. 

Technology  

These electrodes are made from silk fibre mats, electro-spun into a mesh-like structure and plasticised with glycerol. A layer of conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS), is coated onto the silk mats. This construction results in electrodes with exceptional stretchability, allowing them to withstand up to 250% strain while maintaining electrical conductivity. The porous mesh structure ensures high gas permeability, surpassing the water-vapour transmission rate of human skin, which is critical for long-term wear and comfort during exercise.