Scientists are trying to develop thinner, lighter, and flexible stretchy electronics innovated by the idea of making efficient wearable electronic devices. The integrated circuits are extremely thin (measured at 1.2 micrometers thick); however, these films are very strong, extremely flexible, and lighter than a feather.1 Organic polymers are the most important components of flexible electronic devices since they play a key role in conductivity. Researchers prefer organic electronics due to their relatively low cost compared to inorganic electronics such as silicone. Organic polymers are more resistant to harsh environment, operating conditions and they do not break at high temperatures but they do have to avoid large changes in temperature and pressure. They are more flexible and stream at low temperatures and they are capable of forming thinner films. Polymer conductors provide a wide range of electrical conductivity which sustained from bending or stretching since they contain high conductivity and provide electromagnetic shielding of electronic circuits.2 
Japanese researchers from the University of Tokyo, developed integrated circuits in an effort to be used in a variety of healthcare applications including sensitive skins. These healthcare applications include wearable healthcare sensor systems, welfare machines such as wheel chairs, tough sensors for sports usage, and sensors for medical electronic equipment. Imperceptible electronics were being monitored in which large sheets of organic transistor based integrated circuitry were fabricated on polymer foils. Scientists transformed inflexible electronic devices into flexible ones by shaving off an ultrathin layer from the top silicon wafer. Scientists use the shaving process in order to manufacture parts for wearable electronics.3 
Researchers are developing ultrathin electronics that can be positioned on the skin as a provisional tattoo in which these new devices will pave the way for sensors that monitor heart and brain activity without massive equipment. Researchers are developing new forms of integrated electronics to track the path of disease without the use of bulky equipment. Roger’s group experimented a device the size of a postage stamp to a person’s chest to pick up electrical signals produced by the heart which had very similar measurements to those produced by a hospital electrocardiogram.4













References
1. Jacoby, Mitch. “Lighter, Flexible Stretchy Electronics”. (2013) Science and Technology 91 (51).
2. Gates, Byron D. “Flexible Electronics”. (2009). Science 323 (5921).
3. Curtis, Sophie. “‘Imperceptible Electronics’: Robotic Skins Unveiled”. (2013) The Telegraph.
4. Cartwright, Jon. “‘Electronic Skin’ Grafts Gadgets to Body”. (2011) Science Now 3. http://news.sciencemag.org/2011/08/electronic-skin-grafts-gadgets-body


Written by Matias Martinez