Method for connection to a rigid or flexible device using multifunctional ink
Inventors
YADAVALLI, Vamsi • PRADHAN, Sayantan • CHAKRAVARTY, Sudesna
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12584031-B2
Publication Date
2026-03-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
The technology is based on a conducting, ferromagnetic ink made from, in an aqueous suspension: conducting nanopolymers, ferromagnetic nanoparticles, an adhesion promoter and optionally, a surfactant and/or stabilizer. The ink is used to form reversible physical and electrical connections between e.g., rigid and flexible devices. In some aspects, the conducting nanopolymers are PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate) nanopolymers and the magnetic nanoparticles are iron oxide nanoparticles. The ink, which may be magnetic, is used to form solid, flexible, ferromagnetic conducting designs or nodes which may also be magnetic. The flexible, ferromagnetic conducting designs or nodes are used to form reversible magnetic electrical connections with devices such as potentiostats and data telemetry devices.
Core Innovation
The claim discloses an aqueous multifunctional conductive ink comprising conducting nanoparticles which are nanopolymers, ferromagnetic nanoparticles, an adhesion promoter, and an aqueous carrier, with an optional surfactant and stabilizer. The conducting nanoparticles are provided separately from the ferromagnetic nanoparticles within the composition. When dried, the ink forms flexible conductive ferromagnetic patterns or nodes that provide reversible magnetic and electrical connections between rigid or flexible devices, including sensors and biosensors.
Formulations comprising PEDOT:PSS and Fe3O4 demonstrate the ink's conductive and magnetic functions across rigid substrates, paper, and tissue interfaces. Increasing Fe3O4 improves magnetic attraction while reducing conductivity across the patterned ink. An optimized formulation supports sensor connections, electrical switching, repeated on and off connection cycles, and linear uric-acid sensing responses.
Claims Coverage
The claims recite one independent claim directed to an ink composition, encompassing one primary inventive feature.
Ink with separate conducting and ferromagnetic nanoparticles
An ink comprising conducting nanoparticles which are nanopolymers, ferromagnetic nanoparticles, an adhesion promoter, an aqueous carrier, and optionally one or both of a surfactant and a stabilizer, wherein the conducting nanoparticles are separate from the ferromagnetic nanoparticles. Dependent claim elements further specify PEDOT:PSS, polypyrrole, or polyaniline nanopolymers; Fe2O3 or Fe3O4; a salt of a styrene maleic anhydride copolymer as an adhesion promoter; specified stabilizer alternatives; and a conducting-to-ferromagnetic nanoparticle ratio of 1:1 to 1:3.
The claims cover an aqueous ink composition with separate conducting nanopolymer and ferromagnetic nanoparticles, an adhesion promoter, and optional surfactant or stabilizer, together with specified component materials and nanoparticle ratios.
Stated Advantages
The dried ink forms flexible conductive ferromagnetic patterns or nodes that provide reversible magnetic and electrical connections between devices.
The described optimized formulation supports sensor connections and repeated on/off connection cycles.
The ink is reported to provide a linear response for uric-acid sensing.
Documented Applications
Patterned magnetic ink on rigid substrates, paper, and silk, including completing an electrical circuit and forming a magnetic connection to a printed electrode.
Magnetic and electrical connectors and switching, including reversible connections and repeated on/off operation between rigid or flexible devices.
Uric-acid sensing and biosensors, including sensor responses over 0–300 μM.
Printed electrodes applied at a tissue interface.
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