Stretchable and flexible adhesive-integrated antenna for biomedical applications

We developed a stretchable, flexible, and wearable antenna capable of being mounted onto nonplanar surfaces, such as the human skin, for use in wireless physiological monitoring. The implications of our manufacturing process is an antenna that can easily be applied to any surface, including epidermis, with full functionality after tuning of the antenna post manufacturing to its desired operational frequency. Both simulation and prototype measurements are in agreement. During testing, the antenna was mounted on a subject's biceps as the patient performed a stress test, demonstrating the desired antenna function as it was stretched, flexed and exposed to sweat. The antenna was tested at a functioning system level and was able to communicate via Bluetooth low energy (BLE) up to 150ft employing an iOS smart-phone application.