https://en.people.cn/n3/2026/0331/c90000-20441832.html

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67118-4

A team of researchers from Hong Kong and Tianjin has developed a conformal and stretchable piezoelectric microsystem (CSPM) that integrates device design with algorithmic optimization, offering a new approach for long-term, precise monitoring of cardiovascular health.

It features two core sensing modules and achieves much higher sensitivity than conventional designs. It can accurately capture pulse wave signals and measure vascular diameter and its dynamic changes in real time, with a resolution of up to 4.928 micrometers. The two sensing modules can operate simultaneously in the same localized vascular area, enabling precise, synchronous measurement of pulse wave velocity and vascular diameter. This provides comprehensive hemodynamic parameters to support accurate blood pressure calculation.

The CSPM also offers excellent wearability. Measuring less than 450 micrometers in thickness and weighing under one gram, it is encapsulated in low-stiffness silicone rubber and can stretch up to 40 percent, allowing it to conform closely to curved skin surfaces such as the wrist. Thanks to its hydrophobic, sweat-resistant properties and outstanding biocompatibility, the microsystem can maintain a stable temperature during continuous operation for up to three hours, meeting the demands of long-term, uninterrupted monitoring.

On the algorithmic front, the research team developed a demographics-based adaptive blood pressure model, enabling calibration-free blood pressure measurement. The team also introduced a time-decay compensation strategy to effectively address measurement deviations caused by minor slippage of the wearable sensor, ensuring long-term stability in blood pressure monitoring.

Tests on 45 subjects showed that the CSPM maintained consistent accuracy across individuals of different genders, ages and skin tones.

It can precisely track blood pressure fluctuations during daily activities over a seven-day period without requiring individual calibration, achieving accuracy comparable to that of professional cuff-based medical devices.