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The purpose of the current study is to explore the potential possibility of acceleration in recognition, remedial process of heart disease and continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) signal acquisition. The textile-based ECG electrode is prepared by inkjet printing of activator followed by electroless plating of nickel (Ni) particle.

The electrical resistance shows a range of around 0.1 Ω/sq, which sounds quite proper for ECG signal acquisition, as the potential difference according to heart activity on skin surface is in milivolt range. Surface modifications of Ni–phosphorus (P)-plated polyester fiber were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffractionmethods. The quality of the acquired signal from printed square-shaped sensors in two sizes with areas of 9 and 16 cm2 compared with the standard Ag/Agcl electrode using commercial ECG with the patient in the sitting position.

Comparison of these data led to the consideration of small fabric sensor for better performance and the least disturbance regarding homogeneity and attenuation in electric field scattering. Using these types of sensors in textile surface because of flexibility will provide more freedom of action to the user. Wearable ECG can be applied to solve the problems of the aging population, increasing demand for health services and lack of medical expert.

In the present research, a convenient, inexpensive and reproducible method for the patterning of Ni features on commercial polyester fabric was investigated. Printed designs with high electrical conductivity can be used as a cardiac receiving signals’ sensor.

The Hybrid Microelectronics Laboratory in the Bradley Department of Electrical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI & SU), also named Virginia Tech, was established during the 1979–1980 academic year in order to provide classroom/laboratory instruction and research capabilities in the area of hybrid microelectronics. The laboratory was initially designed for the hybrid and thick film areas of microelectronics. Thin film design and fabrication capability was added in the Fall Semester, 1987. Currently, efforts are under way to develop the area of monolithic diffusion and processing of semiconductor wafers using both elemental and compound materials, initiated in the Fall Semester, 1991.

The purpose of this paper is to present synthesis protocol of hydrogel composed of Chitosan (CS) and Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and establish an understanding of its thermal responsive behavior. It aims to prove the basic temperature sensing ability of a novel CS-PEG-based hydrogel and define its sensing span.

This study includes synthesis of CS and PEG-based hydrogel samples by first performing dissolution of both constituents, respectively, and then adding Glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent. It further includes proposed hydrogel’s swelling studies and dynamic behavior testing, followed by hydrogel characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and SEM. The last section focuses on the use of proposed hydrogel as a temperature sensor.

Detailed experimental results show that a hydrogel comprising of CS and PEG presents a thermally responsive behavior. It offers potential to be used as a temperature responsive hydrogel-based sensor which could be used in medical applications.

This research study presents scope for future research in the field of thermally responsive bio-sensors. It provides basis for the fabrication of a thermal responsive sensor system based on hydrogels that can be used in specific medical applications.