A research team from Seoul National University’s College of Engineering has recently developed a wearable electronic patch that adheres to the skin like a bandage, enabling long-term real-time blood pressure monitoring. This technology overcomes the limitations of traditional cuff-based blood pressure monitors, providing a more convenient solution for hypertension patients.

The research was conducted in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, with results published in Advanced Functional Materials. Team leader and Professor of Mechanical Engineering Seung Hwan Ko stated: “Traditional blood pressure measurement methods cannot reflect dynamic changes, whereas our electronic patch continuously tracks data, helping users better manage their health.”

Globally, more than 1.3 billion people suffer from hypertension, but only 21% effectively control their condition. Traditional cuff-based devices are bulky and measure at long intervals, making them unsuitable for daily monitoring. The research team designed a flexible electronic patch based on the time difference between electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse signals. The device uses liquid metal materials processed through laser sintering to create high-precision circuits that can stretch up to 700% of their original length while maintaining stable performance.

Experiments show that the patch accurately captures blood pressure fluctuations before and after exercise, with precision superior to traditional methods. Professor Ko noted: “This technology is not only suitable for medical monitoring but can also be applied in sports health monitoring and the development of smart wearable devices.” In the future, the team plans to integrate wireless transmission and artificial intelligence analysis to further enhance the device’s practicality.