A universal interface for plug-and-play assembly of stretchable devices

Ying Jiang, Shaobo Ji, Jing Sun, Jianping Huang, Yuanheng Li, Guijin Zou, Teddy Salim, Changxian Wang, Wenlong Li, Haoran Jin, Jie Xu, Sihong Wang, Ting Lei, Xuzhou Yan, Wendy Yen Xian Peh, Shih-Cheng Yen, Zhihua Liu, Mei Yu, Hang Zhao, Zechao Lu, Guanglin Li, Huajian Gao, Zhiyuan Liu (), Zhenan Bao () and Xiaodong Chen ()
Additional contact information
Ying Jiang: Nanyang Technological University
Shaobo Ji: Nanyang Technological University
Jing Sun: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Jianping Huang: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Yuanheng Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Guijin Zou: Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Teddy Salim: Nanyang Technological University
Changxian Wang: Nanyang Technological University
Wenlong Li: Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Haoran Jin: Nanyang Technological University
Jie Xu: Stanford University
Sihong Wang: Stanford University
Ting Lei: Stanford University
Xuzhou Yan: Stanford University
Wendy Yen Xian Peh: National University of Singapore
Shih-Cheng Yen: National University of Singapore
Zhihua Liu: Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Mei Yu: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Hang Zhao: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Zechao Lu: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Guanglin Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Huajian Gao: Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Zhiyuan Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Zhenan Bao: Stanford University
Xiaodong Chen: Nanyang Technological University

Nature, 2023, vol. 614, issue 7948, 456-462

Abstract: Abstract Stretchable hybrid devices have enabled high-fidelity implantable1–3 and on-skin4–6 monitoring of physiological signals. These devices typically contain soft modules that match the mechanical requirements in humans7,8 and soft robots9,10, rigid modules containing Si-based microelectronics11,12 and protective encapsulation modules13,14. To make such a system mechanically compliant, the interconnects between the modules need to tolerate stress concentration that may limit their stretching and ultimately cause debonding failure15–17. Here, we report a universal interface that can reliably connect soft, rigid and encapsulation modules together to form robust and highly stretchable devices in a plug-and-play manner. The interface, consisting of interpenetrating polymer and metal nanostructures, connects modules by simply pressing without using pastes. Its formation is depicted by a biphasic network growth model. Soft–soft modules joined by this interface achieved 600% and 180% mechanical and electrical stretchability, respectively. Soft and rigid modules can also be electrically connected using the above interface. Encapsulation on soft modules with this interface is strongly adhesive with an interfacial toughness of 0.24 N mm−1. As a proof of concept, we use this interface to assemble stretchable devices for in vivo neuromodulation and on-skin electromyography, with high signal quality and mechanical resistance. We expect such a plug-and-play interface to simplify and accelerate the development of on-skin and implantable stretchable devices.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05579-z

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