Printed cellulose-fiber based conducting gel produced at pilot scale for cardiovascular monitoring

Purpose and goal:

The goal was to scale up the production (kg-scale) of a 3D-printable cellulose fiber-based and electrically interactive gel to measure body signals with outstanding performance. The gel has the opportunity to replace today´s fossil-based hydrogel with better performance, processability and creates the opportunity to simplify the handling of ionic conductive gels during transport and use.

Expected results and effects:

The project succeeded in producing modified cellulose at kg scale and successfully 3D printed the electrically conductive gel in more than 350 samples. These were tested in Beneli´s user environment with good results. The project creates opportunities for further development of the electrically conductive gel into a commercial product and creates conditions for a manufacturing company to establish itself in the manufacture of electrically interactive gels which can read body signals.

Approach and implementation:

The project investigated the possibilities of optimizing the electrically conductive gel for printability, assembly and evaluation at Beneli AB for heart patches. Then we scaled up the basis of the electrically interactive gel, i.e. modification of cellulose fibers, to kg scale. Several possibilities of extruding the interactive gel were studied after which 3D printing was chosen to evaluate it in tests adapted to cardiac monitoring.

Two other extrusion processes showed promise for other applications. Several organizations were identified for future project.