Paper-Based Inkjet Electrodes

Electrocardiographic (ECG) acquisition has evolved imensly over the last decade in particular with regards to sensing technology. From classical silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes, to textile electrodes, and recently paper-based electrodes. In this paper we study a new type of silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes based on a paper substrate that are produced using an inkjet printing technique. The cost reduction, easy-to-produce methodology, and easier recycling increase the potencial of application of these electrodes and opens this technology for everyday life use. We performed a comparison between this new type of electrode, with classical gelled Ag/AgCl electrodes and dry Ag/AgCl electrodes. We also compared the performance of each electrode when acquired using a professional-grade gold standard device, and a low cost platform. Experimental results showed that data acquired using our proposed inkjet printed electrode is highly correlated with data obtained through conventional electrodes. Moreover, the electrodes are robust to both high-end and low-end data acquisition devices.