A non-invasive, flexible, lightweight, and wearable system for real-time ECG monitoring in freely moving mice.

ECG monitoring in mice is an essential tool for assessing physiological health. However, acquiring high-quality ECG signals from freely moving and conscious mice has remained a significant technical challenge. This study presents a non-invasive wearable real-time ECG monitoring platform for mice, integrating hollow ultra-flexible electrodes with a soft wireless circuit system, enabling high-fidelity real-time ECG monitoring during free activity. Using microfabrication and transfer techniques, we developed ultra-flexible electrodes that are scalable for large-area manufacturing and customizable to specific requirements. These electrodes conform tightly to the surfaces of the mouse's heart, abdomen, and limbs, enabling high-quality ECG signal acquisition. Even under 40% strain, the electrodes maintain stable mechanical and electrical performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the acquired ECG signals exhibit clear and distinguishable QRS waveforms, with amplitudes comparable to those obtained using traditional needle electrodes. In addition, we designed and developed a wearable soft wireless circuit system encapsulated in an "electronic backpack" mounted on the mouse's back. This system features low-power wireless signal transmission, enabling real-time, long-term ECG signal acquisition. To validate system performance, we established a mouse myocardial infarction model and used the platform for ECG signal monitoring and analysis. The results showed typical features such as ST-segment elevation and baseline abnormalities, which are highly consistent with clinical observations. The proposed non-invasive wearable ECG monitoring platform provides an innovative, cost-effective solution for high-efficiency physiological signal acquisition and drug evaluation in mice, offering broad application potential and significant value for further development.