Graphene rubber bands could revolutionise healthcare

Although body motion sensors already exist, they are complex and costly to produce and as such are not widely used. By infusing rubber bands with graphene, the researchers have created a flexible sensor that is sensitive enough for medical use and can be made cheaply.

Once treated, the bands remain highly pliable and the graphene imparts an electromechanical response on movement. The research team discovered that this material can be used as a sensor to measure a patient’s breathing, heart rate or movement.

Co-author, Professor Jonathan Coleman, Trinity College Dublin, commented: “This stretchy material senses motion such as breathing, pulse and joint movement and could be used to create lightweight sensor suits for vulnerable patients such as premature babies, making it possible to remotely monitor their subtle movements and alert a doctor to any worrying behaviours. These sensors are extraordinarily cheap compared to existing technologies. Each device would probably cost pennies instead of pounds, making it ideal technology for use in developing countries where there are not enough medically trained staff to effectively monitor and treat patients quickly.”

“Until now, no such sensor has been produced that meets needs and that can be easily made. It sounds like a simple concept, but our graphene-infused rubber bands could really help to revolutionise remote healthcare,” added Dr Alan Dalton, University of Surrey.