Polydimethylsiloxane Based Flexible Antenna with Enhanced Performance and High-Efficiency for Biomedical Applications

PDMS is frequently utilized in the biomedical field because of its biocompatibility. The PDMS finds applications in medical implants, cardiovascular flow replication, and in the biomedical industry. This paper presents an innovative antenna design optimized for biomedical applications operating in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band (2.4–2.5 GHz). The proposed antenna features a compact, flexible structure utilizing a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate to prioritize patient safety and comfort. For PDMS, the loss tangent is 0.0134 and the dielectric constant is 2.71. The design process employs parametric optimization to achieve a low-profile configuration with a wide impedance bandwidth and better radiation characteristics. Simulations and experimental validation using a multi-layered tissue phantom demonstrate superior performance, achieving a return loss below -10 dB across the ISM band. Additionally, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measurements confirm compliance with international safety standards, ensuring minimal electromagnetic exposure. PDMS-based flexible antennas hold promise for biomedical applications, but many existing designs face challenges related to limited gain, narrow bandwidth, and poor mechanical stability under continuous body movement. This highlights the need for more reliable and adaptable antenna solutions for on-body use. This study underscores the potential of the proposed ISM-band antenna to enhance the functionality and efficiency of biomedical communication systems, driving advancements in telemedicine and personalized healthcare solutions.