Summary
A research team from Seoul National University has developed a flexible, wearable patch that continuously monitors blood pressure ( BP) in real time, eliminating the need for traditional cuff-based devices. Using liquid metal circuits and a laser sintering process, the patch detects electrical and pulse signals from each heartbeat to calculate systolic and diastolic pressure. Highly durable and stretchable, it offers a comfortable, skin-like fit, enabling long-term use. This innovation could transform hypertension management for over 1.3 billion people worldwide by providing accurate, non-invasive, and continuous monitoring.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A groundbreaking innovation from a team of Korean researchers could soon change the way we monitor and manage blood pressure. Scientists at Seoul National University have created a wearable electronic patch that sticks to the skin like a bandage and continuously tracks blood pressure (BP) in real-time — eliminating the need for bulky, cuff-based monitors.
This novel technology has drawn international attention for its convenience, flexibility, and precision, potentially revolutionizing hypertension management for millions worldwide.
Why This Matters
Traditional cuff-based blood pressure monitors, which use an inflatable air bladder to apply pressure to the arm, have been reliable for decades. However, they come with a clear limitation — they only measure BP at discrete moments and often require the user to remain still. For many patients, particularly those with hypertension, a single daily reading is not enough to detect dangerous fluctuations.
As Professor Seung Hwan Ko, who led the study, explained:
“This research challenges the traditional belief that measuring blood pressure is inconvenient and that once-a-day measurements are sufficient. Our system proposes a new healthcare interface that can detect and analyse physiological signals non-invasively and in real-time.”
The Hypertension Challenge
Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion people live with hypertension, but only 21% successfully keep the condition under control. This is a serious public health concern because uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
A major barrier to effective management is infrequent monitoring. Many patients only check their BP at a clinic or once at home, missing dangerous spikes or drops that occur during daily activities. A device that can continuously track blood pressure throughout the day could be a game-changer for early detection and prevention.
How the Patch Works
The team’s innovation is based on the observation that the time it takes for electrical signals (from an electrocardiogram, or ECG) and mechanical signals (from pulses) to travel from the heart to the wrist changes depending on blood pressure.
Here’s the science simplified:
Every heartbeat produces two signals — an electrical one (ECG) and a mechanical one (pulse wave).
The time gap between these signals is known as pulse transit time (PTT).
Higher blood pressure shortens this time, while lower blood pressure lengthens it.
By detecting both signals precisely for every heartbeat and analyzing them in real-time, the device can accurately calculate both systolic and diastolic blood pressure — without squeezing the arm.
The Magic Material: Liquid Metal
One of the most impressive aspects of the device is its use of liquid metal — a material that remains in a liquid state at room temperature yet conducts electricity extremely well. Unlike rigid circuits, liquid metal can stretch, bend, and move with the skin without breaking.
Benefits of liquid metal for this device:
Flexibility: Moves with the skin without discomfort.
High conductivity: Ensures accurate signal transmission.
Skin-like elasticity: Feels natural when worn for long periods.
To make the device practical, the researchers ensured that it could adhere seamlessly to the skin like a bandage, enabling continuous wear during daily activities.
The Laser Sintering Breakthrough
Liquid metal is highly conductive but has a high surface tension, making it difficult to shape into fine, reliable circuits. To solve this, the team developed a unique process called laser sintering.
Laser sintering involves:
Sprinkling microscopic particles of liquid metal onto a flexible base.
Using a laser to selectively fuse these particles into solid, continuous circuits — but only in specific areas where electrical pathways are needed.
This precision manufacturing method allows the device to remain lightweight, durable, and ultra-flexible, without losing performance over time.
Durability and Testing
The Seoul National University team put the patch through rigorous stress tests to ensure real-world usability. Results showed that the device:
Maintained full performance even after being stretched to 700% of its original length.
Withstood over 10,000 stretch cycles without losing accuracy.
This durability means the patch could last for weeks or months without needing replacement — a crucial factor for patients who require long-term monitoring.
From Clinics to Everyday Life
One of the most exciting implications of this technology is that it moves blood pressure monitoring from the clinic into everyday life. Instead of taking occasional readings in a controlled setting, patients could have a continuous, minute-by-minute BP profile while they go about their daily routines — eating, exercising, working, or sleeping.
This data could:
Alert patients and doctors to sudden BP changes.
Reveal patterns linked to lifestyle, diet, or medication.
Enable personalized treatment plans.
Help detect white coat hypertension (when BP spikes in a clinical setting) or masked hypertension (when BP is normal at the doctor’s office but high elsewhere).
A Revolution in Hypertension Management
With hypertension being a leading cause of cardiovascular deaths worldwide, early detection and proactive management are essential. The Korean researchers’ wearable patch could help bridge the gap between occasional BP checks and continuous monitoring, enabling better prevention strategies.
Potential benefits include:
Real-time alerts for dangerous BP changes.
Reduced hospital visits through remote monitoring.
Improved treatment outcomes due to timely medication adjustments.
Integration with smartphones and health apps for patient convenience.
The Road Ahead
While the research results are promising, the technology will need to pass regulatory approvals and large-scale clinical trials before it can be widely adopted. If successful, it could integrate with existing telemedicine platforms, allowing doctors to monitor patients remotely.
As wearable health tech becomes more advanced, we could see a future where tracking blood pressure is as passive as wearing a smartwatch — turning hypertension management from a reactive to a proactive process.
Conclusion
The Seoul National University team’s wearable blood pressure patch represents a major leap forward in medical device innovation. By combining flexible materials, cutting-edge electronics, and non-invasive monitoring techniques, they have created a device that could transform the way we fight one of the world’s most dangerous health problems.
With only 21% of hypertensive patients currently managing their condition effectively, this new technology has the potential to save countless lives and significantly improve quality of care. If commercialized, it could become a standard tool in home healthcare kits around the globe — offering continuous, comfortable, and accurate blood pressure monitoring without the inconvenience of traditional cuffs.