Fingerprint-Inspired Recyclable Electronic Skin for Non-Contact Urinary Incontinence Monitoring and Sensing

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported

• Effect Size: Operates across 0-15 kPa pressure range with 5 cm proximity sensing

• Primary Outcome: Device sensitivity of 3.07 kPa-1 with response time under 60 ms

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: 92.67% gesture recognition accuracy, 86.2% material recovery rate

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Limited - requires clinical validation, regulatory approval, and cost-effectiveness demonstration Would require TGA approval as medical device. No current PBS pathway. Aligns with RACGP guidelines for non-invasive continence management but needs clinical evidence Potentially applicable to patients with urinary incontinence requiring non-invasive monitoring

Abstract

The development of high-performance flexible electronics faces a fundamental challenge: balancing sophisticated multimodal sensing and end-of-life environmental sustainability. Drawing inspiration from the human fingerprint, we present a microelectronic-printing-based arch-shaped sensor that resolves this conflict by integrating dual-mode (contact/non-contact) sensing with inherently recyclable components. The device, fabricated through high-resolution printing of liquid metal circuits (with line widths below 200 μm) on functionally tailored substrates, exhibits a sensitivity of 3.07 kPa-1 and a response time under 60 ms. It operates across a broad pressure range (0-15 kPa) in contact mode and senses proximity up to 5 cm. This robust performance enables an integrated wireless system for encrypted communication, gesture-trajectory tracking, and dynamic gesture recognition with 92.67% classification accuracy. Notably, we demonstrate a closed-loop lifecycle for the key functional materials, achieving 86.2% recovery and direct reuse of the liquid metal conductor. This work provides a versatile design strategy that simultaneously meets the demands for performance, functionality, and sustainability, offering a practical platform for future green and intelligent wearable technologies.