Stretchable Antimicrobial Nanomesh Antenna for Robust Epidermal Millimeter‐Wave Wireless Communications

ABSTRACT Stretchable millimeter‐wave (mmWave) electronics are essential for next‐generation wearable wireless systems. However, intrinsically stretchable mmWave devices remain challenging because it is difficult to fabricate metallic structures that simultaneously combine high conductivity, mechanical stretchability, high‐resolution patterning, and skin biocompatibility for epidermal wireless operation. To bridge this gap, we report a mmWave nanomesh with low sheet resistance of 0.24 Ω/sq and µm‐level patterning precision, and broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity for hygienic epidermal deployment. The proposed nanomesh is compatible with the fabrication of mmWave antennas operating above 20 GHz and supports efficient mmWave radiation. Meanwhile, the nanomesh exhibits mechanical robustness and electrical stability even after 1000 cycles of mechanical deformations. On this basis, we realized a stretchable dual‐unit nanomesh antenna array with a high realized gain of 6.8 dBi at 24 GHz, and demonstrated the first robust mmWave wireless data transmission based on nanomesh electronics. Beyond electromagnetic performance, the nanomesh antenna exhibits long‐lasting and broad‐spectrum antibacterial effects, ensuring hygiene and safety by avoiding epidermal bacterial accumulation. Combining high electromagnetic performance, mechanical‐electrical stability, and antimicrobial ability, the proposed nanomaterial and mmWave device provide a practical strategy for wearable mmWave wireless electronics.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-11-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.79552
Primary Topic
Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies
Type
article
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Stretchable Antimicrobial Nanomesh Antenna for Robust Epidermal Millimeter‐Wave Wireless Communications

Chika Okuda, Fu‐Gen Wu, Takao Someya, Haoyu Ma et al.
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Advanced Functional Materials
Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies
article

Stretchable Antimicrobial Nanomesh Antenna for Robust Epidermal Millimeter‐Wave Wireless Communications

Chika Okuda, Fu‐Gen Wu, Takao Someya, Haoyu Ma, Xiaoping Liang, Tomoyuki Yokota, Masahito Takakuwa, Hai Lin Wang, Shuxu Wang, Buyun Yu, Hongting Chen, Ruiliu Wang, Hui Feng, Chao Zhang, Jianbin Deng, Sunghoon Lee
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Stretchable millimeter‐wave (mmWave) electronics are essential for next‐generation wearable wireless systems. However, intrinsically stretchable mmWave devices remain challenging because it is difficult to fabricate metallic structures that simultaneously combine high conductivity, mechanical stretchability, high‐resolution patterning, and skin biocompatibility for epidermal wireless operation. To bridge this gap, we report a mmWave nanomesh with low sheet resistance of 0.24 Ω/sq and µm‐level patterning precision, and broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity for hygienic epidermal deployment. The proposed nanomesh is compatible with the fabrication of mmWave antennas operating above 20 GHz and supports efficient mmWave radiation. Meanwhile, the nanomesh exhibits mechanical robustness and electrical stability even after 1000 cycles of mechanical deformations. On this basis, we realized a stretchable dual‐unit nanomesh antenna array with a high realized gain of 6.8 dBi at 24 GHz, and demonstrated the first robust mmWave wireless data transmission based on nanomesh electronics. Beyond electromagnetic performance, the nanomesh antenna exhibits long‐lasting and broad‐spectrum antibacterial effects, ensuring hygiene and safety by avoiding epidermal bacterial accumulation. Combining high electromagnetic performance, mechanical‐electrical stability, and antimicrobial ability, the proposed nanomaterial and mmWave device provide a practical strategy for wearable mmWave wireless electronics.

Advanced Functional Materials
RIKEN (JP), State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering (CN), State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves (CN), Institute of Engineering Innovation, School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo (JP), The University of Tokyo (JP), Southeast University (CN)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 26%
Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies
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