Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have turned seafood waste into flexible films for wearable health devices. This breakthrough may lead to a new generation of sustainable biosensors that are safe for the body and gentle on the environment.

Chitosan: A Biopolymer from Waste

The team worked with chitosan, a natural material made from the shells of shrimp, lobster, and squid. Chitosan is already used in medicine because it is safe, biodegradable, and non-toxic. By combining it with a conductive polymer coating, the researchers created electronic transistors that bend and flex without breaking down.

They used vapour phase polymerisation (VPP) to coat thin films of chitosan with PEDOT:Tosylate, a high-performance conductive material. As a result, the film became both lightweight and skin-friendly. Importantly, the prototypes kept 97 per cent of their electrical performance after hundreds of bending tests. This finding shows that the material is both strong and reliable.

Towards Biocompatible Wearables

Lead researcher Professor Prashant Sonar explained that the new material is durable, flexible, and biocompatible. Because it can safely sit on the skin, it could be used in patches that track vital signs or detect early signs of illness.

In addition, PhD researcher Chattarika Khamhanglit confirmed that the prototypes worked well in repeated durability tests. Therefore, the team believes these materials could soon move from the lab to real-world healthcare devices.

What This Means for Design

This research offers inspiration for many design disciplines. For example, product and fashion designers can explore how sustainable electronics might connect with wearable technology and smart textiles. At the same time, architects and interior designers may value the broader idea of turning waste into useful, circular materials.

By transforming seafood waste into a high-tech resource, the project demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can work together. This combination is especially relevant to designers who want to align material choice with both performance and responsibility.

The Future of Sustainable Electronics

The next stage of the project will integrate these materials into full biosensing systems for medical use. If successful, the result could be eco-friendly health devices that combine comfort, accuracy, and durability with sustainable sourcing.

Through this work, QUT shows how a common waste stream can become a foundation for advanced, human-centred technology. Consequently, the research highlights how design and science can jointly shape a more sustainable future.

Source: Queensland University of Technology