Professor Han Chang-soo's team develops novel pressure sensor resembling human skin sensory organs
Applicable to various fields such as displays, medical devices, fuel cells, and the fabrication of various sensors.

While contemplating the various problems found in existing sensors, I observed subtle, accurate, and stable responses to diverse external forces in living organisms. I began this research with the expectation that mimicking or imitating this could lead to the development of a sensor representing a new paradigm.

Professor Han Chang-soo's team at Korea University, which developed an ultra-sensitive soft pressure sensor that operates with low power or without power depending on pressure intensity by deeply mimicking 'human skin sensory organs' down to the cellular level, explained the background of their research as follows.

This research, conducted with support from the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and the Global Frontier Nano-based Soft Electronics Research Group (Director: Gil-Won Cho), utilizes an ion channel-based pressure sensor, unlike conventional electrical circuit-based pressure sensors. Consequently, it does not require electrical circuits or other auxiliary devices and can operate with low driving power or without a power source.
The ion channel sensor, which is the core of this technology, is an artificial sensor that mimics the mechanism of biological cells in human sensory organs. It is a new concept wearable pressure device that utilizes the kinetic energy of ionic liquids, does not require a large energy source (low power or no power), can be used semi-permanently, does not require many electronic components such as electronic circuits and amplifiers, and is flexible, enabling pressure detection on curved parts of the human body and various shapes.

Ion channels are pore-shaped proteins located in the cell membrane that play a role in transporting ions or water molecules into and out of the cell. Human sensory organs also have a structure in which stimuli-receiving parts are combined with ion channels, and the brain perceives the signals generated when ions move within the ion channels through nerves.


▲ A view of human blood pressure being monitored in real time using this sensor

Through this research, the implementation of a pressure sensor that mimics the cell membrane ion channel system of sensory organs has enabled high-sensitivity pressure sensing across a wide range of motions and pressures by appropriately configuring the three elements of receptors, electrolytes, and ion channels. Therefore, the research team stated that developing sensors based on this ion channel system for various external stimuli, not just pressure sensing, will serve as a fundamental technology for creating diverse sensors based on new concepts.

Furthermore, artificial ion channel systems are expected to have a significant ripple effect on related industries by being utilized not only as sensors but also in ion generators, ion batteries, and electrolyte membranes for fuel cells, and by aligning with the national policy to foster green energy. In particular, as this area requires interdisciplinary convergence across various fields such as bio, nano, mechanics, and electronics, it is expected to contribute to the creation of new forms of convergent academic disciplines.

In the sensor field, it appears that this can be utilized as an additional or alternative device, particularly for the elderly and many people with disabilities, and it can serve as a core element technology for this purpose. Furthermore, by providing a new type of sensor with excellent performance and high selectivity for various sensors such as heat, flow, pressure, weight, and odor, and contributing to the creation of a new concept sensor capable of miniaturization and high sensitivity, as well as by developing technology capable of simultaneously measuring diverse and complex sensor information for sensor implementation, it is expected to play a significant role in realizing sensor networks suitable for ubiquitous computing.

Officials from the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and the research institute explained the significance of the study, stating, “This research represents a completely new type of sensor distinct from existing concepts. It can be applied to various industrial fields where power consumption is a concern, including IoT, machinery, electronics, energy, and the environment. It is expected to become a core source technology for creating diverse sensors based on new concepts, such as the development of sensors that mimic animal sensory organs.”

Professor Chang-Su Han's research team (Korea University) is conducting research with support from the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning's Global Frontier Project Soft Electronics Research Group, and this research was published online on April 12 in ACS Nano, a world-renowned journal in the field of nanotechnology.