Blood Pressure Monitor Bandage – New Tech Developed
Revolutionary Wearable Device Enables Continuous, Cuffless Blood pressure Monitoring
Seoul, South Korea – researchers at Seoul National University (SNU) have unveiled a groundbreaking wearable electronic device capable of continuously and accurately monitoring blood pressure without the need for a conventional cuff. This innovation promises to transform healthcare, notably for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension, and pave the way for a new era of personalized health management.
The device leverages a novel fabrication process – selective laser sintering of liquid metal conductors – allowing for the creation of highly conductive and deformable circuits precisely where needed. This eliminates the reliance on additional chemicals and ensures the device’s versatility and durability. The research, published in Advanced Functional Materials, details a system that overcomes limitations of existing blood pressure monitoring methods.
“This research challenges the conventional belief that blood pressure measurement is inconvenient and sufficient only once a day,” explains Professor Seung Hwan ko, who led the study. “Our system proposes a new healthcare interface capable of detecting and analyzing physiological signals noninvasively and in real time.”
Unprecedented Performance and Durability
The newly developed device doesn’t just offer convenience; it delivers exceptional performance. It accurately measures electrocardiograms (ECGs) and heart rates, providing a extensive view of cardiovascular health.Rigorous testing demonstrated the device’s remarkable resilience, maintaining functionality even when stretched to 700% of it’s original length and enduring over 10,000 stretching cycles.
Crucially, the device’s accuracy extends to dynamic measurements.Researchers successfully tracked rapid blood pressure fluctuations before, during, and after exercise, surpassing the precision of conventional cuff-based methods. This capability is vital for personalized exercise prescriptions and optimizing fitness routines.
Beyond Hypertension: A Versatile Platform for Smart Healthcare
The implications of this technology extend far beyond hypertension management. Continuous blood pressure monitoring empowers individuals to proactively manage their health, identifying potential issues before they escalate.The device’s compact and wearable design – easily attached to the wrist – eliminates the need for periodic clinical visits solely for blood pressure checks.
Furthermore, the research team envisions broad applications for this core technology. It can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of wearable devices, including smartwatches, patch-type medical sensors, and even breathable clothing. This opens doors to continuous health monitoring in diverse settings,from intensive care units and workplaces to everyday lifestyle tracking.
“Given its potential applications in intensive care monitoring, workplace safety, and lifestyle health data analytics, this technology could become a practical tool for improving quality of life in the modern era,” Professor Ko adds.Future Directions: AI Integration and Expanded Functionality
Co-first authors Jung Jae Park and Sangwoo Hong are already focused on expanding the device’s capabilities. Their ongoing research aims to integrate various substrate materials,wireless communication functionalities,and artificial intelligence (AI)-based data analysis. This will enhance the device’s practicality, expand its sensor repertoire, and provide users with even more insightful health data.
The development of this continuous blood pressure measurement wearable electronic device represents a significant leap forward in preventative healthcare, promising a future where individuals have greater control over their well-being and access to real-time health insights.
Reference: Park JJ, Hong S, Jung Y, et al. Highly sensitive cuffless blood pressure monitoring with selective laser‐sintered liquid metal conductors. Adv Funct Mater. 2025:2505089. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202505089