VTT creates biodegradable ECG patch
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a new sustainable electrocardiogram patch that is fully recyclable and made of biomaterials. The device is modular, so electronic components can be easily removed from the disposable patch and used again. The patch itself is made of nanocellulose and printed with carbon conductors and sensing electrodes. The biodegradable patch is made of VTT’s new material cellulose e-skin, https://youtu.be/sDAL4gluGL8 , which replaces traditional plastic in wearable skin applications.
An ECG is one of the most established ways to monitor heart conditions. Currently, ECG patches are composed of electrical components on a substrate made from fossil-based sources.
The global need for sustainable ECG patches is projected to grow rapidly in the next few years. The global ECG patch and Holter monitor market was valued at US$1.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 20% from 2023 to 2030. The growing prevalence of atrial fibrillation, ageing, and rising incidence of cardiovascular disorders increasingly drive the market’s demand.
“The healthcare industry has one of the heaviest environmental footprints, and manufacturers are increasingly faced with regulations to make more sustainable products. Bio-based substrates like cellulose e-skin are promising alternatives to fossil-based ones. The tricky part is the fact that they need to possess certain properties like stretchability, tear-resistance, and moisture sensitivity. We’re proud to say that with cellulose e-skin, we’ve created a new film with huge potential for use in the medical industry,” said Mohammad H. Behfar, Senior Scientist at VTT.
Healthcare accounts for 8% of total US emissions and remains one of the largest waste-producing sectors in the world. Plastic is used in medical supplies because it is inexpensive to source and easy to sterilize. As a result, plastics account for 25% of the waste generated by hospitals. 91% of plastics are not recycled and end up in landfills.
Meanwhile, in 2019, people discarded 53 million tonnes of electronic waste, and the number will increase by 38% by 2030. The rising demand for small and wearable electronics is largely responsible for the issue because many small and complex parts make recycling these items increasingly difficult. Less than 20% gets recycled.
In Europe, a major incentive for creating more sustainable medical products is the European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/pdf/new_circular_economy_action_plan.pdf It’s one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal, which puts increasing pressure on manufacturers in all industries to create more sustainable products in the face of increased environmental taxation.
VTT is currently looking to team up with partners who are interested in industrialscale manufacturing of sustainable wearable electronics.
For more information, visit: www.vttresearch.com/
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