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Two different e-labels were developed to explore the feasibility and to identify scientifi c and engineering challenges of the Real-World-Web platform. First was a printed biosensor e-label, comprising Si-chips with an array of different printegrated devices, and second, an e-label to explore the feasibility of transferring data, through the human body, between a mobile device and different distributed e-labels, adhered onto the body or onto dedicated devices and surfaces of one's ambience. The silicon chips utilized in e-labels, include analogue and digital circuitry to receive and handle sensory input, to perform signal processing, and to transmit information to antennas and displays. When used, the e-label is turned on, and a sample is then added onto the sensor area. The display provides simple instructions and updated information to the user. All data handling, electrical probing, and analysis of the sensor is performed by the Si-chips, and the sensing data is finally shown in the printed display. The second e-label exemplifies an ID-tag for body area networks (BAN) communication applications, which, in part, is manufactured and integrated in the same way as the first e-label, but with another choice of Si-chips and capacitive antennas., Funding details: Knut och Alice Wallenbergs Stiftelse; Funding details: VINNOVA

Mobile diagnostics for healthcare, food safety and environmental monitoring demand a new generation of inexpensive sensing systems that can be produced in high volume to open up new market niches. By combining the virtues of printed biosensors and paper-based diagnostics, we have introduced a new disposable instrument range exploiting the latest advances in printed electronics. This approach combines the sophistication of advanced electrochemical biosensors with a simple manufacturing technique to create a use-and-throw instrument. The system is manufactured in ambient atmosphere. All interconnections are printed and an anisotropic conductive glue is used for interconnection between the chip and conductors. The current chip is MICROCHIP-PIC24F16KA101 and this can be upgraded for advanced electroanalysis using a further chip such as the Texas Instrument LMP91000. The Enfucell 3V manganese dioxide battery is from our partner company. A vertical electrochrome display (VECD) is incorporated in the demonstrator. The display is produced in house by screen printing. The active electrode is made from a PEDOT:PSS ink and serves both as electro-chromic material and electrical conductor. A solid polymer electrolyte is printed on top of the active electrode and UV cured. The final layer is a screen-printed carbon-based top electrode. When a voltage is applied across the electrodes, a redox reaction occurs, in which the reduced electrode becomes dark blue. The display is paper-like in the sense that it works in reflective mode, that is, no backlight is used to light up the pixels. Screen-printed biosensors are then added as required based on Electrodag PF-407A ink (Henkel) incorporating stabilisers such as lacititol, detergent and binders together with a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Performance of the overall system rivals that of current hand-held devices, but can be sold at a fraction of their cost.

Printed electronics promise various kinds of sensor circuit labels, for applications in distributed sensing and monitoring, which can be manufactured using traditional printing tools at very low cost. Elevated humidity levels or water leakages cause tremendous costs in our society, such as in construction industries and in transportations. Distributed monitoring and remote sensing of the humidity level inside walls of buildings and packages is therefore desired and urgently needed. Here, we report a wireless humidity sensor label that is manufactured using screen-printing and dry-phase patterning. The sensor label includes a planar antenna, a tuning capacitor and a printed sensor-capacitor head. Through electromagnetic coupling between a reader and the printed sensor label, changes in humidity level were remotely detected and read-out as a shift of the resonant frequency. The manufacturing process of the humidity sensor label is fully compatible with inexpensive, reel-to-reel processing technologies, thus enabling low cost production.