A Stretchable and Transparent Electrode for Visual Electrophysiological Acquisition

TL;DR

A new stretchable and transparent electrode improves eye health diagnostics by offering better comfort and performance.

Contribution

A novel stretchable and transparent electrode design with mechanical flexibility and reliable electrophysiological performance.

Findings

The electrode maintains performance after 1000 cycles of strain, showing mechanical durability.

It achieves signal-to-noise ratios comparable to commercial Ag/AgCl electrodes in ERG, EOG, and VEP tests.

The electrode's design allows seamless attachment to soft tissue and inconspicuous use in diagnostics.

Abstract

Visual impairments pose a significant global health challenge, and visual electrophysiological (EP) acquisition plays a pivotal role in diagnosing ophthalmic diseases. However, traditional electrodes still encounter limitations such as inadequate mechanical adaptability and reusability. This study proposes a stretchable and transparent electrode (STE) consisting of a conductive paste/indium tin oxide layer on a polymethyl methacrylate substrate. Leveraging an island–bridge design, the STE renders reliable performance even after being subjected to 1000 cycles of 25% lateral strain and 18% diagonal strain, exhibiting exceptional mechanical flexibility and realizing seamless attachment to soft tissue. Furthermore, optimized conductive paste layer thickness yields a signal-to-noise ratio comparable to commercial electrodes, achieving equivalent performance to Ag/AgCl electrodes in electroretinogram (ERG), electrooculography (EOG), and visual evoked potential (VEP) acquisition. The STE’s mechanical suitability and inconspicuous features hold significant potential for widespread clinical adoption in ophthalmic diagnostics and personalized eye healthcare, offering improved comfort, reusability, and diagnostic precision.

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