Kirigami-structured wearable EEG system with hair-compatible hydrogel electrodes

Background

Electroencephalography (EEG) is essential for monitoring brain activity across clinical, research, and consumer health applications. It plays a central role in diagnosing neurological disorders such as epilepsy and sleep disorders, supporting stroke rehabilitation, and enabling brain-computer interfaces. As demand grows for continuous and mobile EEG monitoring, especially in real-world settings, conventional systems fall short. They are often uncomfortable for extended use, require laborious scalp preparation, and fail to deliver stable signals through hair or during movement. These issues limit compliance, reduce data quality, and restrict use outside of controlled environments.

Technology Overview

This EEG system features a flexible, kirigami-inspired mesh that conforms to a variety of head shapes, improving comfort and fit for long-term wear. Embedded within the mesh are stretchable gallium-indium eutectic (EGaIn) interconnects that maintain consistent electrical performance under motion and deformation. The system employs porous, conical 3D-printed electrodes that interface with the scalp using a specially formulated GKAmp hydrogel. These electrodes achieve low impedance through hair, eliminating the need for abrasive scalp preparation.

The platform offers signal quality on par with clinical wet electrodes, while enabling mobility and ease of use for both clinical and consumer-grade brain monitoring. Its lightweight, adaptable form factor supports extended wear and high-fidelity signal capture, even during physical activity.