Could Scientists’ Hair-Like Electrode Revolutionize Brain Monitoring?

New York, May 4 (NationPress) A group of scientists in the United States has developed a hair-like device designed for long-term, non-invasive monitoring of the brain's electrical activity.

This lightweight and flexible electrode adheres directly to the scalp and provides stable, high-quality recordings of the brain's signals, according to the researchers from Penn State University.

The future of electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring may soon resemble a strand of hair, replacing traditional metal electrodes, wires, and sticky adhesives.

EEG is essential for diagnosing and evaluating neurological conditions such as epilepsy and brain injuries. In some scenarios, doctors require extended monitoring of brain waves to assess seizures, sleep disorders, and conditions affecting blood vessels and circulation within the brain.

The researchers reported that the new electrodes maintain stable performance for over 24 hours of continuous wear, as detailed in a study published in the journal npj Biomedical Innovations.

This innovation holds potential for both consumer health and wellness products, in addition to clinical healthcare applications, according to the researchers.

“This electrode enables more consistent and reliable monitoring of EEG signals and can be worn discreetly, enhancing both functionality and patient comfort,” stated Tao Zhou, the senior author of the paper published in npj Biomedical Innovations.

EEG monitoring is a commonly employed technique to measure the brain’s electrical activity, Zhou explained.

However, the conventional EEG monitoring process can be cumbersome and sometimes messy. Its limitations hinder continuous, long-term monitoring.

Standard EEG electrodes are also rigid and can shift with even slight head movements, jeopardizing data consistency.

To overcome these challenges, the research team engineered a compact monitoring device resembling a strand of hair, constructed from 3D-printed hydrogel material.

One end features the electrode, resembling a small dot that captures the brain's electrical signals from the scalp. A long, thin wire connects the electrode to the monitoring system.

The device utilizes a 3D-printable bioadhesive ink, allowing the electrode to adhere directly to the scalp without messy gels or extensive skin preparation.

This minimizes the distance between the electrode and scalp, enhancing signal quality.

The device's lightweight, flexible, and stretchable design ensures it remains in place, even during hair combing or wearing a baseball cap, making it suitable for prolonged use and chronic monitoring.

The team discovered that the new device performed similarly to gold electrodes, currently the standard for EEG.

However, the hair-like electrode maintained superior contact with the skin and performed reliably for over 24 hours of continuous wear without any decline in signal quality.

“You don’t have to worry about changes in the electrode's position or impedance because the electrodes remain stable,” Zhou remarked.