Development of Conductive Gels for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Conductive gels are essential in biomedical applications, particularly in electroencephalography (EEG), but they often cause skin irritations and evaluation interruptions as they dry out. This research explores the formulation of conductive gels using Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), a polymer derived from natural plant cell walls. This natural polymer aids in developing a less irritating alternative with comparable efficiency to commercially available electrode gels like Signagel®. The gels were formulated using varying Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) concentrations, sodium chloride as an ionic solute, propylene glycol as a humectant, and water as a solvent. Key parameters such as viscosity, pH, and conductivity were measured. The results indicate that HEC-based gels, particularly the 2.5% HEC formulation, exhibit properties matching those of Signagel®, with a pH of 6.42, viscosity of 11,530 cP, and conductivity of 120.3 mS. This study demonstrates that HEC is a viable option for creating conductive gels that minimize skin irritation and maintain the physiochemical properties required for EEG tests.