Detection of Physiological Signals Based on Graphene Using a Simple and Low-Cost Method

Despite that graphene has been extensively used in flexible wearable sensors, it remains an unmet need to fabricate a graphene-based sensor by a simple and low-cost method. Here, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are prepared by thermal expansion method, and a sensor is fabricated by sealing of a graphene sheet with polyurethane (PU) medical film. Compared with other graphene-based sensors, it greatly simplifies the fabrication process and enables the effective measurement of signals. The resistance of graphene sheet changes linearly with the deformation of the graphene sensor, which lays a solid foundation for the detection of physiological signals. A signal processing circuit is developed to output the physiological signals in the form of electrical signals. The sensor was used to measure finger bending motion signals, respiration signals and pulse wave signals. All the results demonstrate that the graphene sensor fabricated by the simple and low-cost method is a promising platform for physiological signal measurement.