Wearable disposable electrotherapy.

Abstract

We design and validate an electrotherapy platform without electronic components, using printed, abundant, environmentally benign materials. Whereas existing electrotherapy devices use an independent power source and electronics to generate and control stimulation currents, our design eliminates the need for these components. Device production relies only on scalable additive manufacturing and common materials, minimizing cost and environmental impact. The disposable single-use platform (as discreet as adhesive bandages) is activated simply by placement on the body. A prescribed electrotherapy dose is regulated by a flexible 3D electrochemical architecture tailored to each application by a bespoke operational theory. The single-dose usability of this platform is a categorical shift from existing approaches with durable equipment that require programming and assembly to disposable electrodes for each use. Our Wearable Disposable Electrotherapy technology can be distributed like pharmacotherapy, with indications spanning neuromodulation of brain disorders, skin health and wound healing, transcutaneous drug delivery, and bioelectronic medicine.