Smart patch monitors biomolecules and detects health issues

Engineers at the University of California at San Diego in the United States wearable sensor monitors biomolecules in the deep tissues of the human body to detect different conditions that can affect health. The research was published in the scientific journal Nature Communication.

A 2018 study by the same group developed a patch that uses ultrasound waves to monitor the thickness of blood vessels and provide real-time data on patients’ blood pressure. Based on this research, the new version focuses on monitoring blood perfusion, which is an important function for the human body and can indicate different health dysfunctions.

The sensor can detect heart attacks, serious organ problems, cancer and other conditions by monitoring the hemoglobin biomolecule in deep tissues.. While there are similar options available today, such as MRI, the new patch is the only solution capable of long-term deep biomolecule monitoring.

“The amount and location of hemoglobin in the body provide critical information about blood perfusion or accumulation in certain areas. Our device shows great potential in monitoring high-risk groups, allowing timely intervention in emergencies,” said study co-author Sheng Xu of the University of California.

How does the sensor work?

The electronic adhesive is flexible to facilitate adhesion to any area of ​​the skin and has been developed with laser diode and piezoelectric transducer arrays in a polymer matrix. In this way, lasers are activated to trace deep tissues and even create 3D maps of the analysis.

In addition to the possibility of creating 3D maps, testing with the sensor allowed engineers to access important information to detect different health conditions.