This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: It looks like a small, transparent patch with a rainbow on its surface—or for those old enough to remember, the back of a CD. The patch is the first of its kind in the world and, when combined with an ordinary smartphone camera, can measure two things: pulse and blood vessel stiffness.
These measurements can reveal important information about heart health and cardiovascular function. The patch is made of silicone rubber. No electronics or cables are required.
The work is published in the journal Advanced Materials. "We wanted to develop a flexible, low-cost device. What makes it unique is that we can clearly see the signal from the heart on the patch with our own eyes," says Angelos Xomalis, an associate professor of electronic systems at NTNU.
One side of the patch has a nanoscale pattern that changes color when the material stretches. On the other side, researchers created a three-dimensional adhesive structure. This structure is inspired by nature—specifically the suction cups of an octopus—allowing the patch to adhere firmly to the skin.
When pulse waves from the blood vessels cause the skin to move, the patch stretches. This leads to small but measurable changes in the color of the nanostructured surface. The color changes can be detected directly using any camera (including a standard mobile phone camera) without the need for a spectrometer, laser or other specialized equipment.
The device may look a bit like a smartwatch that measures heart rate, but the technology used is different. If you glance at the back of a smartwatch, you see green LED lights. These sensors are pressed onto the skin to detect changes in blood volume over time.
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