An Ultrasensitive, Visco-Poroelastic Artificial Mechanotransducer Skin Inspired by Piezo2 Protein in Mammalian Merkel Cells

Researchers describe a mechanically activated visco-poroelastic nanochannel on the basis of artificial ionic fluids and a viscoelastic biocompatible polymer network to closely emulate the Piezo2 nanochannel in epidermal mammalian Merkel cells. They implemented these in a piezocapacitive artificial ionic mechanotransducer (IMT) that involved the sequential pressing, chain deformation, and ion migration process. They also enhanced an effective output stress by introducing the pillar-type microstructure on the surface of visco-poroelastic film, thereby resulting in inducing an efficient squeezing-out of ionic liquids at even low stimuli. The artificial IMT exhibited ultrahigh sensitivity and operational stability over a wide range of mechanical stimuli, including conditions conducive to real-time ubiquitous health care, daily activities, and even weight measurement.