To realize next-generation wearable devices that simultaneously satisfy high transparency and mechanical stretchability, this study developed a transparent transferable stretchable electronic device by integrating Mg:Ag-based ultrathin metallic electr...
To realize next-generation wearable devices that simultaneously satisfy high transparency and mechanical stretchability, this study developed a transparent transferable stretchable electronic device by integrating Mg:Ag-based ultrathin metallic electrodes with a uniformly engineered Kirigami structural design. Based on this architecture, a textile-integrated photothermal–photonic wearable OLED platform was fabricated, in which a planar-emission OLED and a Joule-heating ultrathin heater are configured into a monolithic structure capable of delivering light and heat either independently or simultaneously.
The Kirigami cutting distance d was precisely controlled within the 0.5–1.25 mm range to evaluate mechanical and electrical stability. The d = 0.75 mm configuration exhibited optimal stretch-retention capability, conductive stability, and uniform photothermal performance. The Mg:Ag (9:1) ultrathin alloy electrode provided superior optical transmittance and reduced sheet resistance compared to a conventional Ag single-metal electrode, enabling highly efficient light emission and heating. Furthermore, introducing a capping layer (CPL) mitigated interfacial roughness and charge-injection asymmetry often observed at metal–organic interfaces, thereby significantly improving the electro-optical stability and color uniformity of the OLED.
For application-level validation, the SHOLED(Stretchable Heating OLED)—enabled by its transferable architecture—was stably laminated onto textile substrates and utilized for PPG(Photoplethysmography) sensing, niacinamide skin-absorption experiments, and HaCaT cell-based photothermal stimulation studies. In PPG measurements, the platform’s high transparency and uniform planar illumination enhanced the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), while stable waveform acquisition was maintained even under tensile deformation.
In the niacinamide transdermal absorption experiment, localized temperature elevation (approximately 38–42 °C) achieved through Joule-heating temporarily increased skin-barrier permeability, resulting in a significant enhancement in niacinamide penetration. This is consistent with the mechanism in which elevated temperature induces lipid loosening in the stratum corneum and increases the molecular diffusion coefficient. Owing to its uniform heating characteristics, the SHOLED provided enhanced absorption effects without generating hot spots typically observed in conventional patch-type heaters.
In HaCaT cell-stimulation studies, photonic and thermal stimuli were applied independently and in combination. Photonic stimulation induced increased metabolic activity and mild ROS signaling, while thermal stimulation enhanced circulation-mimicking diffusion and cell dynamics. When combined, photothermal stimulation synergistically promoted cell activation (increased S-phase proportion), enhanced cell motility, and upregulated extracellular-matrix-related protein expression—demonstrating that SHOLED-based photothermal modulation elicits stronger physiological responses than single-modality stimulation and offers potential for non-invasive therapeutic applications.
Overall, the Mg:Ag-based Kirigami stretchable platform developed in this study presents high transparency, durability, and functional integration, establishing its potential as a high-performance wearable device for applications such as enhanced transdermal delivery, cellular modulation, photothermal therapy, and textile-integrated healthcare monitoring.