Smart 'bandages' track tiny changes in body temperature

Device has a response time of less than 100 milliseconds and a temperature sensitivity of 0.02°C for the human body range It can be used to monitor changes in temperature when placed on the body A lightweight sensor has been developed that responds to tiny changes in human temperature simply by resting on the skin. The technology could be used to monitor the body temperature of tiny babies and vulnerable people in intensive care, as well as potentially leading to smart plasters or bandages The target temperature range at which the sensor is most precise can be selected by altering the proportions of the two monomers. 'A plaster applied directly to a wound or after surgery could provide warning of infection by detecting local changes in temperature due to inflammation', Professor Someya explained The device successfully measured cyclic changes in lung temperature of just 0.1°C as the animal breathed, demonstrating its utility as a sensor for monitoring body vital signs in internal settings. ‘Because the huge response of the sensor to temperature change allows us to simplify the circuitry, we could print our sensors onto adhesive plasters that could then monitor body temperature. ‘For example, a plaster applied directly to a wound or after surgery could provide warning of infection by detecting local changes in temperature due to inflammation.’ Other possible applications include wearable electronic clothes where the sensor could be applied beneath fabric to measure temperature during sporting and other activities.