Lipoic Acid-Based Biocompatible Deep Eutectic Solvent Silicone Elastomer With Bottlebrush Topology for Ultra-Pressure Sensitive Sensing

Pressure-sensitive sensors that can respond to tiny signals are key to various medical and healthcare monitoring applications. Developing wearable sensors that combine high sensitivity in real time, flexibility, and biological and environmental safety is challenging. In this paper, a biomass-based conductive silicone elastomer is designed via ultraviolet curing. The deep eutectic solvents are well dispersed within the silicone matrix via hydrogen bonding to ɑ-lipoic acid moieties within the network. Along with the bottlebrush topology of the network, the engineered material exhibits ultra-softness (Young's modulus 159 kPa), excellent rebound, and fatigue resistance under repeated high strains. Meanwhile, the engineered sensor shows outstanding electrical sensitivity to deformation in the range of 0–20 kPa. These features enable precise, real-time monitoring of subtle signals, including respiration, abdominal and chest movements, wrist pulse, and facial expressions. The green conductive silicone elastomer shows great potential in the development of portable Polysomnography and other high-end wearable devices in the future.