Henkel and Linxens Unveil Self-Heating Medical Wearable to Boost Patient Comfort at MEDICA

Henkel and Linxens join forces to enhance patient comfort in medical wearables enabled by printed electronics.

(IN BRIEF) Henkel and Linxens are collaborating to advance printed electronics for medical wearables, debuting a skin patch concept featuring self-regulating heating elements designed to enhance patient comfort. The innovation, ideal for applications like pain relief and temperature-regulated drug delivery, will be showcased at the upcoming MEDICA trade show. Henkel’s expertise in printed electronics materials and Linxens’ Roll-to-Roll screen printing technology enable the development of flexible, skin-adhering patches optimized for healthcare. This partnership highlights the potential of wearable technology to improve patient care through customized, high-comfort solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 11-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Henkel and Linxens have joined forces to advance the application of printed electronics in medical wearables, introducing a breakthrough concept that integrates self-regulating heating elements into skin patches. This innovation aims to improve patient comfort, particularly for wearables in pain relief and temperature-controlled drug delivery. Their proof-of-concept will debut at the MEDICA trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany, from November 11-14 at the Henkel booth (C59) in Hall 13.

A leader in printed electronics, Henkel offers its extensive Loctite portfolio, including conductive and resistive inks, which play a central role in enabling complex, custom-printed electronics solutions. With a solid foundation in formulation expertise, Henkel provides materials that meet the stringent demands of industrial and healthcare applications.

Linxens, known for its specialized component-based electronic solutions, brings its expertise in Roll-to-Roll (R2R) screen printing, allowing the creation of flexible, adhesive-backed circuits ideal for medical skin patches. These patches, printed on PET foils and shaped to conform to the skin, offer comfort and adaptability for various healthcare uses.

Henkel’s Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) inks, combined with silver conductive and carbon resistive inks, enable precise control over the patch’s heating elements while maintaining flexibility suitable for skin contact. This technology is a product of Henkel’s long-standing commitment to printed electronics, supplying innovative materials across over 800 sectors globally.

Pia Schmiedel, Business Development Manager for Printed Electronics at Henkel, highlighted the collaboration’s potential impact: “Working with Linxens allows us to create groundbreaking healthcare applications that enhance patient comfort. Our demonstrations at MEDICA will showcase how printed electronics can drive significant benefits in medical wearables.”

Minh Lê, Vice President at Linxens Healthcare, echoed this enthusiasm: “Our collaboration with Henkel has produced a revolutionary heating element solution for medical wearables, aiming to elevate patient comfort. This concept showcases the transformative potential of wearable technology for patient care, and we’re eager to share these advancements at MEDICA.”

About Linxens
Linxens has been a global leader in the electronics industry for over 40 years, specializing in connectivity, traceability, and authentication solutions. With expertise in healthcare and IoT, Linxens offers a dedicated healthcare brand focused on electronic skin patches and biosensors. The company operates seven R&D centers and eight manufacturing sites worldwide, employing more than 3,000 people. For additional information, visit Linxens Healthcare.

Media contact:

Sebastian Hinz
Adhesive Technologies
Media Relations
Headquarters, Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-8594
press@henkel.com

SOURCE: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA