The technology of flexible electronics is advancing rapidly. Development is in full swing, and new application possibilities are being tested in various fields, including healthcare. In this blog, we’ll briefly explain what flexible electronics are, why they are well-suited for healthcare, and highlight three examples of their applications.

What are flexible electronics?

As the name suggests, flexible electronics is the technology for creating flexible electronic components. A pattern of conductive traces that efficiently carries electrical current is printed on a flexible plastic substrate. Thanks to the flexibility of this innovative electronic technology, it offers numerous possibilities for new applications, including several in healthcare.

Why use flexible electronics in healthcare?

Flexible electronics are highly suitable for healthcare applications. Why? Because flexible electronics are as elastic as human skin. The flexibility of the material allows it to adhere better to the skin compared to non-elastic electronics. Non-elastic materials do not conform well to the body, which is often necessary for various medical applications.

Applications in healthcare

To provide a clearer picture of the potential of flexible electronics, we’ve highlighted three innovative applications within healthcare:

1. The fitbit smartwatch

The Fitbit smartwatch is a great example of wearable technology. This smartwatch allows users to track and monitor their health. It can measure heart rate and count steps, among other functions.

Currently, flexible electronics are embedded within the watch, but in the future, a smartwatch could be entirely replaced by flexible electronics. This technology has the potential to take current wearable technology to the next level.

For example, adhesive patches have already been developed that use flexible electronics and sweat to monitor a person’s health. In the future, these patches might even administer medication.

2. Illuminated baby blanket

The stretchability of flexible electronics makes the technology suitable not only for plastics but also for textiles. For instance, By-wire.net and HC demosystems have developed an illuminated baby blanket that provides light therapy using flexible electronics. Flexible electronics are also being integrated into clothing to monitor temperature and other vital signs.

3. Glucose-Monitoring Strips for Diabetics

For people with diabetes, a tattoo has been designed that uses flexible electronics to eliminate the need for finger pricks to measure blood sugar levels. A more familiar example is the glucose sensor—a significant breakthrough in healthcare.

Want to learn more about flexible electronics applications?

It’s clear that the possibilities for applications of flexible electronics are endless. Would you like to learn more about their uses in healthcare or other sectors? Contact the experts at Metafas. You can reach us via email at info@metafas.nl, call us at +31 495 695 578, or fill out our contact form.