HKUST Researchers Develop Continuous Health Monitoring Patch

Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a wearable device designed to continuously monitor breathing and heart activity outside clinical settings. 

Called HELP (heteromodal epidermal liquid-metal patch), the soft, skin-conforming device uses liquid-metal technology for non-invasive cardiorespiratory monitoring.

The research, led by Prof. Hnin Yin Yin Nyein from HKUST’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, was published in Science Advances. 

The technology aims to address limitations associated with conventional respiratory and sleep assessments, including spirometry and polysomnography, which typically require specialised equipment and clinical supervision.

HELP uses a flexible silicone substrate reinforced with a microscopic silver nanowire network to secure the liquid metal and maintain stable electrical performance. 

Testing showed that the patch remained functional after 500,000 stretching cycles.

The device incorporates two sensing channels. One is designed to capture electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, while the other measures chest and abdominal movements associated with breathing. 

An engineered microstructure improves sensitivity across different levels of respiratory movement.

In early human studies, the patch showed strong agreement with conventional sleep-monitoring equipment in identifying sleep apnoea events. 

It also monitored changes in breathing patterns following bronchodilator treatment in people with asthma.

The researchers suggest that continuous home monitoring could help identify physiological changes that may not be detected during routine clinical assessments, supporting earlier intervention for chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

 

Source: https://hkust.edu.hk/