Researchers in Japan report a breakthrough in the design of skin sensors that significantly extends the life of devices that monitor oxygen blood levels.

As reported in Medical News Today, the University of Tokyo scientists developed an “e-skin” that is stable in the air and thus does not deteriorate within hours of use as do current sensors.

Five layers of an inorganic material comprise the protective film around the sensor, protecting its electronic components from air and water vapor.

The device is worn on a finger and displays the blood oxygen level via a polymer light-emitting diode system.  The scientists said their e-skin represents a major step forward, overcoming the limitations of the previous devices, which were made from glass or plastic.

The process opens the way for more ultra-thin and ultra-flexible wearable monitoring devices, the research team said, ones that can be used for several days.

"Ultimately, flexible organic optical sensors may be directly laminated on organs to monitor the blood oxygen level during and after surgery,” the team posited.