A Textile-Integrated and BioSymbiotic 3D-Printed Platform for Chronic Collection of Electrophysiological Biosignals

Abstract

Electrophysiological biosignals such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) and BioImpedance (BioZ) have been harnessed to offer insight into individual’s underlying physiology for over a century. For disease paradigms such as Cardiovascular Disease and COPD, continuous biosignal acquisition allows for detection of early disease states, possible worsening conditions, and effectiveness of treatment. Currently, methods for evaluation of both involve measurement systems with many limitations with respect to biosignal collection over chronic timescales. Battery life, electrode connection to skin, and patient compliance all limit currently available technology for such analysis. In this work, a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printed electrode system is fully integrated into both a textile and an expanded biosymbiotic platform where it interfaces with a power harvesting capable device for indefinite use. Chronic stability of biosignal acquisition in both textile and biosymbiotic platforms are achieved, creating a realistic first-in-class platform for continuous and chronic acquisition of clinically relevant biosignals without active patient interfacing.