Gel electrodes are primarily used to achieve efficient and safe conduction of electrical signals between biological tissues and electronic devices, and are widely used in medical, rehabilitation, and neuroscience research fields.
1. Role in Medical and Rehabilitation Treatment
In physiotherapy and rehabilitation medicine, gel electrode pads serve as a "bridge" connecting treatment devices to the human body. Their core functions include:
Conducting therapeutic current: Used in neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), etc., to help relieve pain, promote muscle contraction, and improve blood circulation.
Reducing skin impedance: The gel layer contains moisture and electrolytes, which soften the stratum corneum, allowing the current to penetrate the skin more evenly, reducing the risk of stinging or burns.
Enhancing comfort and safety: The medical-grade hypoallergenic formula has passed biocompatibility testing and is suitable for sensitive skin; the disposable design eliminates cross-infection.
Common applications include treatment of neck, shoulder, back, and leg pain; functional recovery after stroke; postoperative rehabilitation; and home physiotherapy.
2. The Role of Neural Interfaces in Brain Science Research
In cutting-edge research, hydrogel electrodes are being developed as implantable neural interfaces for long-term, stable recording of brain activity:
Highly Biomimetic Match: The all-hydrogel neural electrode developed by the Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, can be as small as 0.94 micrometers in diameter. Its mechanical properties are close to those of brain tissue, significantly reducing immune rejection.
Long-Term Stable Recording: It can continuously track single neuron signals in the mouse brain with high fidelity for up to 6 months, providing a new tool for brain-computer interface and neurological disease research.