journal article·2026-06-16Open access

Biointegrated Multilayer Stretchable OLED Platform With Strain‐Decoupled Architecture for Durable Phototherapeutic Applications

Young Hyun Son, Myeongheon Lee, Jun‐Yeop Song, Hyo‐Jung Kwon, Kyung Cheol Choi, Jeong Hyun Kwon

Abstract

ABSTRACT To advance wearable medical technology beyond its current limits, stretchable organic light‐emitting diode (SOLED) displays must become practical. Achieving this requires both mechanical softness and durable environmental protection, yet conventional SOLED platforms are limited by a resolution–stretchability trade‐off and the fracture‐prone nature of inorganic encapsulation layers. Here we report a multilayer SOLED architecture that separates light emission and mechanical deformation into vertically stacked planes. By decoupling emissive pixel islands from deformable interconnects, the design enables high‐fill‐factor pixel patterning while improving mechanical compliance and structural reliability. Finite‐element analysis and experimental measurements show that the multilayer stack redistributes tensile strain into compliant elastomeric layers, delivering approximately 54% system‐level stretchability. Stable electroluminescence is maintained under repeated loading and 50% uniaxial tensile strain. For outdoor and long‐term operation, we further develop a hybrid encapsulation combining atomic‐layer‐deposited nanolaminate distributed Bragg reflector layers with parylene‐C. The resulting barrier exhibits a barrier performance of 1.26 × 10 − 6 g m − 2 day − 1 , achieves 99.87% ultraviolet blocking, and preserves device operation under cyclic deformation and hygrothermal stress. In a murine wound‐healing model, the SOLED patch conformally covered skin and accelerated healing by over 50% compared with controls, demonstrating its strong potential for wearable therapeutic applications.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies · Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Research

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Affiliations

School of Electrical Engineering Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Daejeon Republic of Korea

School of Semiconductor Engineering Chungbuk National University Cheongju Chungcheongbuk‐do Republic of Korea

College of Veterinary Medicine Chungnam National University Daejeon Republic of Korea

Funding

National Research Foundation of Korea

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