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Giant magnetoelastic effect in soft systems for bioelectronics.

Yihao ZhouXun ZhaoJing XuYunsheng FangGuorui ChenYang SongSong LiJun Chen
Published in: Nature materials (2021)
The magnetoelastic effect-the variation of the magnetic properties of a material under mechanical stress-is usually observed in rigid alloys, whose mechanical modulus is significantly different from that of human tissues, thus limiting their use in bioelectronics applications. Here, we observed a giant magnetoelastic effect in a soft system based on micromagnets dispersed in a silicone matrix, reaching a magnetomechanical coupling factor indicating up to four times more enhancement than in rigid counterparts. The results are interpreted using a wavy chain model, showing how mechanical stress changes the micromagnets' spacing and dipole alignment, thus altering the magnetic field generated by the composite. Combined with liquid-metal coils patterned on polydimethylsiloxane working as a magnetic induction layer, the soft magnetoelastic composite is used for stretchable and water-resistant magnetoelastic generators adhering conformably to human skin. Such devices can be used as wearable or implantable power generators and biomedical sensors, opening alternative avenues for human-body-centred applications.
Keyphrases
  • endothelial cells
  • gene expression
  • molecularly imprinted
  • mass spectrometry
  • heat stress
  • ionic liquid
  • rare case
  • room temperature