Fabrication of Printed Silver/PVBVA Fiber Electrodes for Wearable ECG and EMG Sensing
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Tony Valayil Varghese, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Current electrodes for Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Electromyography (EMG) sensing face several limitations that can make long-term physiological monitoring uncomfortable or unreliable. Wet electrodes often require electrolytic gels that can dry out over time, while many conventional electrodes rely on adhesives, rigid materials, or nonporous structures that can irritate the skin and limit breathability. This project investigates flexible printed silver electrodes coated with electrospun PVBVA fibers as a potential alternative to conventional bioelectric sensors. The printed silver electrodes provide a conductive platform for signal acquisition, while the PVBVA fiber coating is designed to improve skin contact without traditional adhesives and provide a porous, breathable scaffold. Current work focuses on developing the fabrication process for these electrode structures, including preparation for future device integration. The next stage of the project will involve connecting the electrodes to flexible Arduino-based sensors and evaluating their ability to acquire and interpret bioelectric signals. This work supports the broader goal of developing wearable bioelectronic devices for comfortable, continuous monitoring of physiological signals.
Fabrication of Printed Silver/PVBVA Fiber Electrodes for Wearable ECG and EMG Sensing
Current electrodes for Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Electromyography (EMG) sensing face several limitations that can make long-term physiological monitoring uncomfortable or unreliable. Wet electrodes often require electrolytic gels that can dry out over time, while many conventional electrodes rely on adhesives, rigid materials, or nonporous structures that can irritate the skin and limit breathability. This project investigates flexible printed silver electrodes coated with electrospun PVBVA fibers as a potential alternative to conventional bioelectric sensors. The printed silver electrodes provide a conductive platform for signal acquisition, while the PVBVA fiber coating is designed to improve skin contact without traditional adhesives and provide a porous, breathable scaffold. Current work focuses on developing the fabrication process for these electrode structures, including preparation for future device integration. The next stage of the project will involve connecting the electrodes to flexible Arduino-based sensors and evaluating their ability to acquire and interpret bioelectric signals. This work supports the broader goal of developing wearable bioelectronic devices for comfortable, continuous monitoring of physiological signals.