Cell-based therapies, which use biological cells to treat diseases or injuries in the body, offer enormous potential from facilitating drug delivery to enabling more effective treatment of obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Generating on-site oxygen is a critical component of activating such therapies, because there is a high metabolic demand on these densely packed cells, and maintaining cell potency becomes a challenge, due to factors like immune response and dissolved oxygen. As part of an ongoing, multidisciplinary collaboration, a group of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, Northwestern University, Georgia Institute of Technology and Rice University have identified a novel device that makes on-site oxygen for biological cells transplanted inside the body.Every cell is closely situated to tiny blood capillaries due to its need of sufficient oxygen supply to function. Current approaches to generating on-site oxygen for cell-based therapies have drawbacks including size and supply capacity. Some options introduce gaseous oxygen from outside the body to tackle the problem but are bulky; others are limited by supply capacity, like a can of water that cannot be refilled once it’s been emptied. This new device boasts a compact footprint and relies on the abundance of water in the human body, making it an excellent choice for implantation, along with ensuring a sustainable and lasting source of oxygen.<blockquote>Our device uses electricity and water to make oxygen for the cells—it’s as simple as a Chemistry 101 electrolysis experiment we all did as children, but we’re conducting it in a smarter manner.<cite>Tzahi Cohen-KarniProfessor , <cite id="isPasted">Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering</cite> </cite></blockquote>“Our device uses electricity and water to make oxygen for the cells—it’s as simple as a Chemistry 101 electrolysis experiment we all did as children, but we’re conducting it in a smarter manner,” said <a href="https://engineering.cmu.edu/directory/bios/cohen-karni-tzahi.html" target="_blank">Tzahi Cohen-Karni</a>, professor of <a href="https://www.cmu.edu/bme/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">biomedical engineeringOpens in new window</a> and <a href="https://www.mse.engineering.cmu.edu//index.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">materials science and engineeringOpens in new window</a> at Carnegie Mellon University. “We are using unique materials, including iridium oxide to produce oxygen, while avoiding the production of harmful byproducts, such as chlorine or excess hydrogen peroxide. By controlling how much electricity our device uses, we can change how much oxygen it produces.”The biggest advantage and differentiator of the group’s research, recently published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42697-2" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Nature CommunicationsOpens in new window</a>, is that it bridges the gap between energy science, biomedical engineering, and electronics. Water splitting research, which is geared toward energy conversion and storage, guided exploration of which materials could safely be used for oxygen evolution reaction in the human body, which led to the group incorporating iridium oxide.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1700813771065-1109-em-boosting-oxygenation-1.png" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A schematic illustration of electrocatalytic on-site oxygenation. Source:&nbsp;Tzahi Cohen-Karni lab (CMU Engineering)“Unlike other approaches out there, we are using electrocatalysis, to reduce the energetic cost to generate the oxygen, and we are also tailoring the conditions of our device to provide oxygen without any byproducts, such as bleach,” added Inkyu Lee, materials science and engineering Ph.D. student. “We are also operating our device under conditions that will allow oxygen generation without bubbles that can disrupt the device.”The cells in this study were biologically engineered to produce human leptin, a key component in the body’s mechanism for weight control and regulation of circadian rhythms, which is also being investigated by the group through the <a href="https://engineering.cmu.edu/news-events/news/2021/06/07-circadian-clocks.html" target="_blank">DARPA Normalizing Timing of Rhythms Across Internal Networks of Circadian Clocks (NTRAIN) project</a>. The NTRAIN effort is managed by Jonathan Rivnay from Northwestern University.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1700813803284-1109-em-boosting-oxygenation-2.png" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A representative set of 3D-rendered immunofluorescence images after 21 days in vitro oxygenation.&nbsp;Source:&nbsp;Tzahi Cohen-Karni lab (CMU Engineering)Additionally, some aspects of this published work will be used in the ARPA-H funded&nbsp;<a href="https://engineering.cmu.edu/news-events/news/2023/09/26-cancer-implant-tech.html" target="_blank">Targeted Hybrid Oncotherapeutic Regulation (THOR) project</a>, which is combining the group’s expertise in an effort to develop sense-and-respond technology to treat ovarian, pancreatic and other difficult-to-treat cancers. The THOR projects is managed by Omid Veiseh from Rice University.“We are the pioneers of this electrocatalytic oxygenation technology, and we have concrete plans to translate our devices to clinical practices in the real world,” emphasized Cohen-Karni. “We are not focusing on only one disease but instead, pushing to translate our work to various disease models.”As this work moves forward, the team is concentrating on perfecting highly stable materials that can operate for months in the body and plan to deploy their cutting-edge approaches to treat chronic diseases.The effort was co-led by Tzahi Cohen-Karni (MSE/BME, CMU) and Jonathan Rivanay (NU) and researchers Inkyu Lee (MSE, CMU) and Abhijith Surendran (NU). Other Carnegie Mellon participants involved in the research were Douglas Weber, professor of mechanical engineering; Adam Feinberg, professor of biomedical engineering; Sharon John, research associate; Seonghan Jo and Yingqiao Wang, materials science and engineering Ph.D. students; Tim Schwartzkopff, chemical engineering Ph.D. student; Omar El-Refy, physics Ph.D. student; and Ian Gimino, chemical engineering undergraduate student.

To advance cell-based therapies, researchers have identified a novel device that makes on-site oxygen for biological cells transplanted inside the body.

Boosting oxygenation for transplanted cell-based therapies

Diagnosing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea usually requires a patient to spend the night in a sleep lab, hooked up to a variety of sensors and monitors. Researchers from MIT, Celero Systems, and West Virginia University hope to make that process less intrusive, using an ingestible capsule they developed that can monitor vital signs from within the patient’s GI tract.The capsule, which is about the size of a multivitamin, uses an accelerometer to measure the patient’s breathing rate and heart rate. In addition to diagnosing sleep apnea, the device could also be useful for detecting opioid overdoses in people at high risk, the researchers say.“It’s an exciting intervention to help people be diagnosed and then receive the appropriate treatment if they suffer from obstructive sleep apnea,” says Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT and a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “The device also has the potential for early detection of changes in respiratory status, whether it’s a result of opiates or other conditions that could be monitored, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).”In a study of 10 human volunteers, the researchers showed that the capsule can be used to monitor vital signs and to detect sleep apnea episodes, which occur when the patient repeatedly stops and starts breathing during sleep. The patients did not show any adverse effects from the capsule, which passed harmlessly through the digestive tract.Traverso is one of the senior authors of the study, along with Robert Langer, an MIT Institute Professor and member of MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research; Victor Finomore, director of the Human Performance and Applied Neuroscience Research Center at the West Virginia University School of Medicine; and Ali Rezai, director of the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. The paper appears today in the journal Device.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/faqD5gosuXo?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe><h2 id="isPasted">Vital sign measurements</h2>Over the past decade, Traverso and Langer have developed a range of ingestible sensors that could be used to&nbsp;<a href="https://news.mit.edu/2015/ingestible-sensor-measures-heart-breathing-rates-1118" target="_blank">monitor vital signs</a> and diagnose disorders of the GI tract, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://news.mit.edu/2017/flexible-sensors-can-detect-movement-gi-tract-1010" target="_blank">gastrointestinal slowdown</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.mit.edu/2023/smart-pill-can-track-biological-markers-real-time-0908" target="_blank">inflammatory bowel diseases</a>.This new study focused on measuring vital signs, using a capsule developed by Celero Systems that includes an accelerometer that detects slight movements generated by the beating of the heart and the expansion of the lungs. The capsule also contains two small batteries and a wireless antenna that transmits data to an external device such as a laptop.In tests in an animal model, the researchers found that this capsule could accurately measure breathing rate and heart rate. In one experiment, they showed that the sensor could detect the depression of breathing rate that resulted from a large dose of fentanyl, an opioid drug.Building on those results, the researchers decided to further test the capsule in a clinical trial at the&nbsp;<a href="https://rni.wvumedicine.org/" target="_blank">West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute</a>. Ten patients who enrolled in the study were monitored using the ingestible capsule, and these patients were also connected to the sensors typically used to monitor sleep, so the researchers could compare measurements from both types of sensors.The researchers found that their ingestible sensor was able to accurately measure both breathing rate and heart rate, and it also detected a sleep apnea episode that one of the patients experienced.“What we were able to show is that using the capsule, we could capture data that matched what the traditional transdermal sensors would capture,” Traverso says. “We also observed that the capsule could detect apnea, and that was confirmed with standard monitoring systems that are available in the sleep lab.”In this study, the researchers monitored signals emitted by the capsule while it was in the stomach, but in a previous&nbsp;<a href="https://news.mit.edu/2015/ingestible-sensor-measures-heart-breathing-rates-1118" target="_blank">study</a>, they showed that vital signs can also be measured from other parts of the GI tract.“The stomach generally offers some of the best signals, mainly because it’s close to the heart and the lungs, but we know that we can also sense them elsewhere,” Traverso says.None of the patients reported any discomfort or harm from the capsule. Radiographic imaging performed 14 days after the capsules were ingested revealed that all of them had passed through the patients’ bodies. The research team’s previous work has shown that objects of similar size usually move through the digestive tract in a little more than a day.<h2>Close monitoring</h2>The researchers envision that this kind of sensor could be used to diagnose sleep apnea in a less intrusive way than the skin-based sensors that are now used. It could also be used to monitor patients when they begin treatment for apnea, to make sure that the treatments are effective.<a href="https://celerosystems.com/" target="_blank">Celero Systems</a>, a company founded by Traverso, Langer, Jeremy Ruskin, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Benjamin Pless, now CEO of the company, is now working on sensors that could be used to detect sleep apnea or opioid overdose.“We know that people who have had an overdose are at higher risk of recurrence, so those individuals could be monitored more closely so that in the event of another overdose, someone could help them,” Traverso says.In future work, the researchers hope to incorporate an overdose reversal agent such as nalmefene into the device, so that drug release would be triggered when the person’s breathing rate slowed or stopped. They are also working on strategies to lengthen the amount of time that the capsules could remain in the stomach.The research was funded by the Karl van Tassel Career Professorship, MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Celero Systems.Authors of the paper also include Pless, James Mahoney, Justin Kupec, Robert Stansbury, Daniel Bacher, Shannon Schuetz, and Alison Hayward.

Diagnosing disorders such as sleep apnea usually requires a night in a sleep lab, hooked up to sensors and monitors. Researchers hope to ease that process with an ingestible capsule that can monitor vital signs from within a patient’s GI tract. Image: MIT News

The new sensor measures heart and breathing rate from patients with sleep apnea and could also be used to monitor people at risk of opioid overdose.

Ingestible electronic device detects breathing depression in patients

Synthetic biology holds the promise of enhancing and modifying biological systems into innumerable new technologies for the benefit of society. This engineering approach to biology has already reaped benefits in the fields of drug delivery, agriculture, and energy production. In a paper published in Nature Chemical Biology, EPFL researchers at the Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (<a href="https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lpdi/" target="_blank">LPDI</a>) at the School of Engineering have taken an important step in designing more performative biological systems. By observing complex self-regulating behavior in cells and taking inspiration from electrical engineering, they have engineered a sophisticated biological switch using modified proteins as the hardware.<blockquote>We use a number of approaches in terms of protein design, more specifically computational protein design, in order to engineer new molecular hardware.<footer>Professor Bruno Correia, head of LPDI</footer></blockquote>The goal of LPDI is to develop biological functions that imitate and even go beyond what nature has provided over millions of years of evolution. “We use a number of approaches in terms of protein design, more specifically computational protein design, in order to engineer new molecular hardware,” says Bruno Correia, head of LPDI and lead author the paper. This new biological hardware—in the form of engineered proteins—can then be placed in living cells and respond to stimuli that the engineer can closely control.The lab’s methodology begins by observing how cells function and imitating or adapting these functions for other uses. One of the things that nature does extremely well is self-regulation. When a cell needs more ions, for example, it activates mechanisms that allow for the ions to flow into the cell. Once the cell’s needs are met and it has reached a certain equilibrium known as homeostasis, it can then turn off the ion flow.This biological mechanism can be conceptually likened to the selective nature of a bandpass filter in electronics. While a bandpass filter discriminates signals based on a specific range of frequencies, allowing only those within a designated band to pass through, the cell selectively permits ions to enter or exit based on its current needs. Although the comparison is a simplification, as the biological process is governed by complex biochemical feedback rather than binary signals, it similarly achieves selective permeability—akin to how a bandpass filter selectively permits certain frequencies while excluding others.<blockquote>Sailan Shui took inspiration from the functioning of a bandpass filter and engineered its biological equivalent.<footer>Professor Bruno Correia, head of LPDI</footer></blockquote>A current limitation in synthetic biology is that no design, up until now, offers this type of functionality—it’s all or nothing, only ‘on’ or only ‘off’. Think of penicillin delivery. As there is no regulatory system based on biological sensors for drug dosing, a diabetic needs to continuously monitor the insulin level. Sailan Shui’s work at LPDI focused on these types of biological sensors and switches that could drastically improve drug delivery and other biological systems. “Shui was unsatisfied by the on/off paradigm and decided to engineer a switch that could respond to changes in a cell’s internal and external environment. So she took inspiration from the functioning of a bandpass filter and engineered its biological equivalent,” explains Correia.To create this novel function in biological systems, the team designed proteins and inserted them into living cells. In biology, function flows from form. Correia and Shui observed the structure of folded proteins and their effect on self-regulating functions inside the cell. They then created computational models that could potentially act as a bandpass filter from these observations. Once the digital design was validated using computer simulations, they started working on building the protein structure by manipulating its DNA and amino acid configuration. Finally, they tested the design in cell cultures. The results are conclusive. Their design, which they share with the research community in the spirit of open research, will most likely be used by researchers around the world in ways yet foreseen.As a hypothetical application in synthetic biology, researchers could create a system that operates similarly to an electronic bandpass filter to regulate insulin delivery based on blood glucose levels. Engineered proteins would serve as sensors, detecting high glucose and triggering insulin release until levels normalize. This would automate insulin dosing, potentially improving diabetes management and reducing the need for frequent monitoring. Such a system would represent a significant advancement in the use of synthetic biology for therapeutic applications.This fundamental research is essential for developing the tools, building blocks and hardware of the future of synthetic biology. “We have a clear methodology but also embrace the serendipity of science. It was the scientist Leo Scheller in my lab who had the vision to understand the importance of this work. It was a team effort,” says Correia. A team effort that brings the field one important step closer to engineering better drug delivery technology, more efficient bioreactors, and even entirely new forms of biological entities.<hr>ReferencesShui, S., Scheller, L. &amp; Correia, B.E. Protein-based bandpass filters for controlling cellular signaling with chemical inputs. Nat Chem Biol (2023).&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-023-01463-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-023-01463-7</a>

EPFL scientists have crafted a biological system that mimics an electronic bandpass filter, a novel sensor that could revolutionize self-regulated biological mechanisms in synthetic biology.

A bandpass filter for synthetic biology

Applications now extend to process manufacturing of electronic devices, aerospace and defence, where pneumatic cylinders have provided a crucial tool for engineers. If you’re working in one of these industries, here’s all you need to know about pneumatics for clean rooms.A clean room is a contained space where particulate contamination is intentionally reduced to a minimum. Other environmental parameters are also controlled, such as air pressure, humidity and temperature. A High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is installed in the clean room to trap any particles sized 0.3 microns or more. In cases where even more stringent performance is required, Ultra Low Particulate Air (ULPA) filters may be used. All the air that’s supplied to a clean room will first have passed through these filters.<h2>Contamination</h2>In the sterile environment of the clean room, a dust mote is the equivalent of a boulder. Even the tiniest particle of dirt or moisture can be catastrophic. So engineers were always careful about what actuators they chose to equip a clean room. Pneumatic cylinders originally constituted sources of contamination, including tiny chunks of abraded material or particles of lubricant, aerosol or chemical vapours.New designs developed in the 1990s solved these problems, introducing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rowse-pneumatics.co.uk/pneumatics/pneumatic-drives" title="Pneumatic Drives" target="_blank">pneumatic cylinders</a> that largely replaced electric motors in the clean room environment. They were cleared for use in ISO 14644-1 rated clean rooms in class ISO 4, which stipulates that only 352 particles of this size are allowed in a cubic metre of air. This is about one millionth of the number of equivalent particles in ambient room air. All clean room products are now classified into grades according to ISO 14664.<h2>Developing Pneumatics For Clean Rooms</h2><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://www.rowse-pneumatics.co.uk/static/images/blog/posts/All-You-Need-To-Know-About-Pneumatics-For-Clean-Rooms-1.jpg" alt="Everything You Need To Know About Pneumatics-For-Clean-Rooms" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Until this century, using pneumatics in an ISO 4 clean room would have been inconceivable. Electric motors were used because all their moving parts were enclosed. This meant that any random particles were contained, and there was minimal air turbulence. The breakthrough in pneumatics for clean room applications was to create an actuator that could equal or improve on this performance.Pneumatics engineers worked to improve the design of the rodless cylinder, to eliminate features that allowed particulates to get out. These cylinders had previously contained an aluminium barrel with a slot in one side, through which dirt, dust and lubricants could escape into the surrounding atmosphere. New designs reduced these emissions and slowed down load movement, so the airflow wasn’t disturbed to stir up existing particles.The new generation of air cylinders had the same capabilities as an electric motor, but added advanced positioning accuracy of one ten-thousandth of an inch. They still retained the traditional advantages of pneumatics, such as high speed, high force and low cost.The new generation of air cylinders had the same capabilities as an electric motor, but added advanced positioning accuracy of one ten-thousandth of an inch. They still retained the traditional advantages of pneumatics, such as high speed, high force and low cost.<h2>Expanding The Application</h2>The improved pneumatic cylinders hit the market in the mid-1990s, and enhanced their suitability for clean rooms in three critical ways: they were cleaner, much more rigid for larger loads and provided precise positioning capabilities. This innovation kicked off an important trend in pneumatics, making air cylinders a viable alternative to stepper motors.Today, clean room production has extended beyond semiconductor manufacturing and electronics, into many other industries. The number of pneumatic products that are suitable for use in clean rooms has also expanded considerably.<a href="https://www.rowse-pneumatics.co.uk/manufacturers/view/festo?filters=actuation_type=Pneumatic" title="Festo" target="_blank">Festo&nbsp;</a>, for example, produce a range of equipment that includes cylinders, drives, valves, grippers and all sorts of vacuum, handling and compressed air systems. Components such as sensors, compressed air regulators, filters and fittings are available in 80+ product ranges that are rated for ISO-classified clean room environments.<h2>Choosing Clean Room Products</h2>Clean rooms are rated under the ISO 14644-1 classification system, according to the cleanliness of the air inside. The standard stipulates the size and maximum number of particles that may be allowed per cubic metre of air. Clean room classes rated under this standard range from ISO1 to ISO9, where 1 is the cleanest and 9 is the most contaminated class. However, even an ISO9 clean room is less contaminated than an ordinary room. Clean room classes 7 and 8 are the most common.The associated standard ISO 14644-14 rates any products that you wish to use inside the clean room with the correct classification for the rating of the room itself. Clean rooms are not uniformly rated, however, and varying levels of cleanliness apply to different areas. It’s possible, for example, to have a general workflow area rated in class 7, while the area directly above a workpiece needs to be rated in class 5. Clean room products are therefore classified according to where they’ll be used in the application.When purchasing pneumatic products for use in clean rooms, be sure to match the ISO rating of the product with the ISO rating of the area in which you wish to use it. This might mean you end up with a variety of products in different classes, but that depends on the manufacturer. Festo, with whom we have an official partnership, have issued a separate clean room catalogue, which classifies all their pneumatic products according to their area of use. Although these are generally rated ISO 7, most of them can be used in class 6 and 5 environments, and some even in class 4.<h2>Expanding Market</h2>Clean rooms are now common throughout industry, wherever a manufacturing process is impacted by particulate contamination. They come in all sizes and degrees of complexity and are critical to the micro-processes required by modern technologies. You’ll find clean rooms used extensively in industries like medical device and life sciences, biotech, pharmaceuticals and semiconductor manufacturing.They’re also used for the type of critical process manufacturing that you’ll see in nanotechnology, optics and photovoltaic engineering, plus energy, aerospace and military applications. In the last few decades, pneumatics have made significant inroads into the market for clean room rated products, providing a cheaper and more efficient solution to eradicating particulate contamination.

All You Need To Know About Pneumatics For Clean Rooms

In the last century, very few industries needed a clean room, but modern technology changed all that. Microelectronics manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical and the processing of food and beverages all demand absolute sterility.

From 17-18 October 2023, the "Future of Electronics Reshaped" global conference and exhibition took place at the Estrel Congress Center in Berlin, Germany. The event aimed to reshape the future of electronics, emphasizing additive, sustainable, flexible, hybrid, wearable, structural, and 3D electronics.&nbsp;The TechBlick event gathered the global industry in Berlin, where the latest updates were unveiled, key conversations occurred, and new ideas and projects were initiated. Attendees benefited from a curated world-class agenda and masterclass program. They also had the opportunity to experience the latest technologies and products at 78 booths and connected with over 650 peers, partners, and customers from around the world. Notably, the exhibition had grown by 50% compared to its 2022 iteration.The event also featured a unique hybrid package, allowing attendees to participate in the 2-day in-person event in Berlin and gain year-round access to all TechBlick live-online virtual conferences, masterclasses, and an on-demand library of previous presentations.Wevolver attended the event and spoke to some of the exhibitions about their technology and its impact. We include just some of the exciting companies below.<h2>Voltera</h2><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/voltera" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Voltera</a> is at the forefront of the future of electronics, emphasizing additive methods. They specialize in rapid prototyping platforms for printed electronics, catering to both traditional circuit boards and the evolving world of flexible, stretchable, conformable, and biocompatible electronics. Their product range includes the V-One, suitable for PCB prototyping and the Nova, which is ideal for printed electronics R&amp;D, flexible electronics, microdispensing, and functional materials research.<h3>Key Insights:</h3>Unlocking New Possibilities:&nbsp;Voltera believes that the future of electronics will be cost-effective, lightweight, bendable, and seamlessly integrated into structures. Their platforms are designed to give users a competitive edge in this direction.Materials Freedom:&nbsp;The additive technology they employ offers freedom in choosing inks and substrates. This opens doors to new applications in wearable electronics, biomedical devices, printed sensors, and more.Efficiency in Design Iteration:&nbsp;Digital additive prototyping, as championed by Voltera, is faster than many alternative methods. It allows for quicker design iterations without the need for heavy investments or long waits for tooling.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk4MDQ3ODUxMjM0LWxhcmdlVm9uZS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">V-One, Voltera's desktop PCB printer. Image credit: Voltera.&nbsp;<h2>Fraunhofer IAP</h2><a href="https://www.iap.fraunhofer.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research&nbsp;</a>(IAP) is dedicated to creating materials that are fit for the future. They focus on innovative solutions to address contemporary and upcoming challenges such as climate change, pandemics, energy transitions, structural changes, and evolving mobility concepts.&nbsp;The institute emphasizes bioeconomy and sustainability by exploring sustainable raw materials and promoting a circular economy to decrease reliance on fossil energy sources. They believe that integrating innovative materials into products is crucial for energy transition and the development of new mobility solutions. Additionally, the institute works on new active ingredients, products, and processes for the medical and health sectors. Fraunhofer IAP supports the entire value chain, from the inception of innovative materials to the development of market-relevant prototypes.<h3>Key Insights:</h3>Addressing Global Challenges:&nbsp;Fraunhofer IAP is actively involved in finding creative solutions to global challenges, ensuring that materials and processes are sustainable and future-ready.Promotion of Circular Bioeconomy: The institute has a roadmap for a circular bioeconomy in Germany, emphasizing the strategic research field of bioeconomy.Engagement in Various Research Fields:&nbsp;From biopolymers and functional polymer systems to life sciences and bioprocesses, the institute covers a wide range of research areas.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk4MDQ3OTMxNzU0LUFiYmlsZHVuZzItRm90by1UaWxsLUJ1ZGRlLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Fraunhofer IAP are developing polymers with a focuis on bioeconomy and sustainability.&nbsp;<h2>Molex</h2><a href="https://www.techblick.com/post/smart-skin-patches-and-noninvasive-medical-sensing-molex" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Molex</a>, a global leader in connectivity solutions, is pioneering the development of smart skin patches that leverage hybrid printed electronics to enhance medical sensing capabilities. These patches are designed to improve patient outcomes by offering a range of functions:Evolution of Smart Skin Patches: Modern smart skin patches have evolved from containing a single wired sensor to incorporating a myriad of functions. They utilize hybrid printed electronics, allowing for the integration of various electronic devices and noninvasive sensors onto a thin, flexible substrate. This advancement enables the creation of connected devices that can monitor vital signs or activity without invasive methods.<h3>Key Insights</h3>Demand for Connected Medical Sensing:&nbsp;The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of remote patient monitoring. Smart skin patches offer a lightweight, comfortable, and portable solution for monitoring patients both within and outside healthcare facilities. They are also gaining traction for home health monitoring, sleep and brainwave activity tracking, and femtech applications like pregnancy monitoring.Design and Architecture:&nbsp;Smart skin patches utilize flexible printed circuit technology and skin-safe adhesives. Their design can be customized based on the application, with options for disposable or reusable patches. Reusable patches have a design where only the skin-contacting electrodes are disposable, reducing waste.Opportunities and Challenges:&nbsp;Designing smart skin patches involves integrating various electronic devices, including sensors, batteries, microcontrollers, and RF antennas. Achieving system reliability requires expertise in multiple engineering disciplines, from material science to electronic component reliability. Ensuring product performance and meeting regulatory compliance standards are also paramount.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk4MDQ4Mzk2MDQ4LW1vbGV4LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Molex smart skin patch. Image credit: Molex.&nbsp; Themes explored during the event included printed flexible hybrid electronics, structural and in-mold electronics, sustainable electronics, wearable electronics, electronic textiles, smart skin patches, continuous vital signs monitoring, 3D printed electronics, and many more.&nbsp;Stay up to date on <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/techblick" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TechBlick</a> events by following their <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/techblick" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wevolver profile.</a>

From stretching skin patches, to printed circuit boards, the Electronics ReShaped Event gave an insight into the exciting future of printed and flexible electronics. 



TechBlick's Electronics Reshaped Event - Berlin 2023

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking potential of an implantable device that promises a future without injections for diabetes control and we delve into the science, the impact on patients, and the promises it holds for a brighter future in diabetes care. 

Podcast: Implantable Chip To Cure Diabetes

This article originally appeared in <a href="https://news.itmo.ru/en/science/life_science/news/13440/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ITMO News</a> and has been republished with permission.<hr>A family of medical devices named implants are manufactured to replace a missing organ or its parts. Dental implants are implanted into the jaw to support replacement teeth. Apart from dentistry, implants are also used to resurface a knee, repair skull bones, as well as for other purposes.&nbsp;All medical devices are customized to each patient's unique characteristics. In the case of dental implants, doctors must be aware of a person's skull bones, gums, and roots to determine the appropriate form and size of the future implant.&nbsp;To make an implant last longer, as well as heal faster and easier, its surface is enhanced with functional features, like antibacterial properties and biocompatibility. The latter is usually accomplished by roughening up the implant's surface with sandblasting, followed by acid and anodizing to make the surface antimicrobial. So far, there is no one-stop complex to execute both procedures – except for the one currently under development at ITMO University.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk3MTk5NTcwODA3LXAxMzQ0MC5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The research team (from left to right): Yulia Karlagina, Galina Romanova, Andrey Lisichnikov, and Fedor Inochkin. Photo courtesy of Evgeniy Shamshin<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The laser-based complex</h2>Researchers from ITMO’s Institute of Laser Technologies and their colleagues from Laser Center designed a multiuse robotic complex for surface treatment of diverse medical materials. According to the developers, the technology is equipped with a fiber laser system and possesses several advantages:&nbsp;Versatility. The technology is well-suited for use with medical devices such as scalpels and surgical scissors, as well as a variety of implants, including teeth, skull, hip, and knee replacements.&nbsp;Turnkey treatment in one system. The team created and merged several laser treatment options that are used consecutively:<ul><li dir="ltr">The technology for antibacterial surface properties prevents bacterial complications, which lead to implant rejection. Laser heating makes oxide layers grow on the surface of a titanium implant, which demonstrates bactericidal properties when exposed to a UV source.</li><li dir="ltr">The technology for biocompatible surface property. The laser is applied to generate a relief with unique properties on the surface, followed by the laser ablation process, which creates a biomimetic micro- and nanorelief that promotes excellent adhesion of proteins in the early stages of osseointegration, cell proliferation, and differentiation, ensuring implant success.&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">The technology for applying non-toxic identification labels on medical devices. Legally binding product labeling makes it possible to track the life cycle of a product, from its early production to the end user.&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>“We came up with a versatile device that makes it possible to functionalize a wide spectrum of medical equipment without any additional consumables or tools. The single system can boast several treatment options, related to the biocompatible and antibacterial properties of products, their roughness, as well as labeling,” states&nbsp;Yulia Karlagina, a junior researcher at ITMO’s Institute of Laser Technologies.</blockquote><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1697199551134-ezgif-2-348e4b0195.gif" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The robot laser complex in action. Video courtesy of Evgeniy ShamshinCompatibility with custom devices. All it takes is to load a 3D model of the implant into the program and indicate which elements of the 3D electronic geometric model need to be processed. The software was developed by the team at ITMO.&nbsp;The complex consists of a six-axis robotic manipulator and a laser scanning system mounted on the robot's arm, which ensures high accuracy of laser positioning, achieved by optical methods, and universality of robotic systems. Its ability to focus a laser beam on a product’s surface in all six spatial coordinates makes it possible to process products of complex shapes in one technological cycle.The team incorporated a computer vision system to make it easier for the operator to determine the position of the product in reality. In addition to its position, the system reports on its orientation and geometrical parameters to ensure precision laser processing.<blockquote>“The existing robotic solutions are aimed at mass-production items. Once adjusted for a specific device, they perform a series of programmed actions again and again. This approach is not suitable for small-scale or one-of-a-kind equipment, whereas our technology can be easily customized for a new product,” explains&nbsp;Fedor Inochkin, a researcher at ITMO’s Institute of Laser Technologies<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" alt="" src="https://news.itmo.ru/en/science/life_science/news/13440/" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></blockquote><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk3MTk5Mzg4MjEyLTEzNDQwMDEuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">An operator positions a medical device and loads a 3D model into the system, selects the areas to be processed, and starts the program. The robot manipulator travels from one area to another with a laser beam. The procedure time varies depending on the chosen technology and item size. Photo courtesy of Evgeniy ShamshinA compact automated laser system for dental implants and their components is another device created by the team to serve exclusively dental purposes.&nbsp;<blockquote>“The systems have different functions, which affects their price and audience. If a customer needs to process a certain implant, like a dental one, they should purchase the second device, whereas the first one will be more beneficial with a wide range of items, including custom ones. For instance, a person who suffered from head injury can receive an individually designed skull implant. The multiuse system allows specialists to incorporate a desired set of properties into personalized implants in accordance to their unique shape,” notes Yulia Karlagina.&nbsp;</blockquote><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk3MTk5NDEwOTc4LTEzNDQwMDIuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">An operator positions an implant, closes the complex’s cover, chooses the type of device under study and processing mode in the program, and, finally, starts the program. The implant is ready in 10-15 minutes. Photo courtesy of Evgeniy Shamshin<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Prospects of the technology</h2>The ITMO researchers in collaboration with their co-authors from Samara State University have carried out preliminary testing of both complexes, in particular preclinical trials of the processed medical devices. All samples were successfully tested in vitro and in vivo and are recommended for clinical trials.&nbsp;In the future, the developers plan to run acceptance tests to ensure the complexes are ready for operation and mass production. The team also intends to attract new industrial partners. In the long run, the systems are expected to be used in the production of medical equipment and implants.&nbsp;<blockquote>“We already have surface functionalization technologies for implants and soon we, with our colleagues from Laser Center, will start to look for new partners who will integrate them into their productions. If requested, we can also modify our products to the client’s needs – for instance, we can add a second robot manipulator that will upload new implants into the system instead of an operator,” notes Galina Romanova, a senior researcher at ITMO’s Institute of Laser Technologies.&nbsp;</blockquote><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk3MTk5NDQxMTQzLTEzNDQwMDMuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Galina Romanova. Photo courtesy of Evgeniy ShamshinThe project is implemented as part of the Government Decree No. 218 on request by Laser Center. Additionally, the developers continue to run research within ITMO’s 2030 Development Strategy.&nbsp;The research team has been working on the processing of medical titanium alloys for several years now. Together with their partners from Lenmiriot, they <a href="https://news.itmo.ru/en/science/new_materials/news/9655/" target="_blank">developed</a> a design of an implant surface that helps implants heal faster without inflammation. In 2022, Lenmiriot <a href="https://news.itmo.ru/en/startups_and_business/partnership/news/12313/" target="_blank">announced</a> the market launch of the dental implants made with the new laser technology.

The robot laser complex. Photo courtesy of Evgeniy Shamshin

Researchers from ITMO University have created a multipurpose robot complex for laser treatment of medical device surfaces, like those of dental and skull implants. The designed technology can be utilized to imbue metal implants with antibacterial and biocompatible properties, as well as mark medical items. All one needs to do is load a 3D model of an implant into a program, set a processing trajectory, and pick a surface attribute of choice.

A Multiuse Robot for Medical Applications Designed at ITMO

This article was discussed in our <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/0a80bd29-e245-4c39-8375-0c544a26f6f8?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> The full article will continue below.<hr>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://news.mit.edu/2023/implantable-device-enable-injection-free-control-diabetes-0918" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MIT News</a> and has been republished with permission.<hr>One promising approach to treating Type 1 diabetes is implanting pancreatic islet cells that can produce insulin when needed, which can free patients from giving themselves frequent insulin injections. However, one major obstacle to this approach is that once the cells are implanted, they eventually run out of oxygen and stop producing insulin.To overcome that hurdle, MIT engineers have designed a new implantable device that not only carries hundreds of thousands of insulin-producing islet cells, but also has its own on-board oxygen factory, which generates oxygen by splitting water vapor found in the body.The researchers showed that when implanted into diabetic mice, this device could keep the mice’s blood glucose levels stable for at least a month. The researchers now hope to create a larger version of the device, about the size of a stick of chewing gum, that could eventually be tested in people with Type 1 diabetes.“You can think of this as a living medical device that is made from human cells that secrete insulin, along with an electronic life support-system. We’re excited by the progress so far, and we really are optimistic that this technology could end up helping patients,” says Daniel Anderson, a professor in MIT’s Department of Chemical Engineering, a member of MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), and the senior author of the study.While the researchers’ main focus is on diabetes treatment, they say that this kind of device could also be adapted to treat other diseases that require repeated delivery of therapeutic proteins.MIT Research Scientist Siddharth Krishnan is the lead author of the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2311707120" target="_blank">paper</a>, which appears today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research team also includes several other researchers from MIT, including Robert Langer, the David H. Koch Institute Professor at MIT and a member of the Koch Institute, as well as researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital.<h2><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1NjM1MTI1ODM3LU1JVC1Jc2xldHMtT3h5Z2VuLTAyLXByZXNzLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Pictured is the device submerged in water, generating oxygen (bottom) and hydrogen (top) bubbles without the need for any batteries or wires. Image: Courtesy of Claudia Liu and Dr. Siddharth Krishnan, MIT/Boston Children’s HospitalReplacing injections</h2>Most patients with Type 1 diabetes have to monitor their blood glucose levels carefully and inject themselves with insulin at least once a day. However, this process doesn’t replicate the body’s natural ability to control blood glucose levels.“The vast majority of diabetics that are insulin-dependent are injecting themselves with insulin, and doing their very best, but they do not have healthy blood sugar levels,” Anderson says. “If you look at their blood sugar levels, even for people that are very dedicated to being careful, they just can’t match what a living pancreas can do.”A better alternative would be to transplant cells that produce insulin whenever they detect surges in the patient’s blood glucose levels. Some diabetes patients have received transplanted islet cells from human cadavers, which can achieve long-term control of diabetes; however, these patients have to take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent their body from rejecting the implanted cells.More recently, researchers have shown similar success with islet cells derived from stem cells, but patients who receive those cells also need to take immunosuppressive drugs.Another possibility, which could prevent the need for immunosuppressive drugs, is to encapsulate the transplanted cells within a flexible device that protects the cells from the immune system. However, finding a reliable oxygen supply for these encapsulated cells has proven challenging.Some experimental devices, including one that has been tested in clinical trials, feature an oxygen chamber that can supply the cells, but this chamber needs to be reloaded periodically. Other researchers have developed implants that include chemical reagents that can generate oxygen, but these also run out eventually.The MIT team took a different approach that could potentially generate oxygen indefinitely, by splitting water. This is done using a proton-exchange membrane — a technology originally deployed to generate hydrogen in fuel cells — located within the device. This membrane can split water vapor (found abundantly in the body) into hydrogen, which diffuses harmlessly away, and oxygen, which goes into a storage chamber that feeds the islet cells through a thin, oxygen-permeable membrane.A significant advantage of this approach is that it does not require any wires or batteries. Splitting this water vapor requires a small voltage (about 2 volts), which is generated using a phenomenon known as resonant inductive coupling. A tuned magnetic coil located outside the body transmits power to a small, flexible antenna within the device, allowing for wireless power transfer. It does require an external coil, which the researchers anticipate could be worn as a patch on the patient’s skin.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1NjM1MjM0Njc0LU1JVC1Jc2xldHMtT3h5Z2VuLTAzLXByZXNzLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 768px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">This photo shows the cathode side of fully assembled device, with a United States quarter-dollar coin for scale.&nbsp; Image: Courtesy of Claudia Liu and Dr. Siddharth Krishnan, MIT/Boston Children’s Hospital<h2>Drugs on demand</h2>After building their device, which is about the size of a U.S. quarter, the researchers tested it in diabetic mice. One group of mice received the device with the oxygen-generating, water-splitting membrane, while the other received a device that contained islet cells without any supplemental oxygen. The devices were implanted just under the skin, in mice with fully functional immune systems.The researchers found that mice implanted with the oxygen-generating device were able to maintain normal blood glucose levels, comparable to healthy animals. However, mice that received the nonoxygenated device became hyperglycemic (with elevated blood sugar) within about two weeks.Typically when any kind of medical device is implanted in the body, attack by the immune system leads to a buildup of scar tissue called fibrosis, which can reduce the devices’ effectiveness. This kind of scar tissue did form around the implants used in this study, but the device’s success in controlling blood glucose levels suggests that insulin was still able to diffuse out of the device, and glucose into it.This approach could also be used to deliver cells that produce other types of therapeutic proteins that need to be given over long periods of time. In this study, the researchers showed that the device could also keep alive cells that produce erythropoietin, a protein that stimulates red blood cell production.“We’re optimistic that it will be possible to make living medical devices that can reside in the body and produce drugs as needed,” Anderson says. “There are a variety of diseases where patients need to take proteins exogenously, sometimes very frequently. If we can replace the need for infusions every other week with a single implant that can act for a long time, I think that could really help a lot of patients.”The researchers now plan to adapt the device for testing in larger animals and eventually humans. For human use, they hope to develop an implant that would be about the size of a stick of chewing gum. They also plan to test whether the device can remain in the body for longer periods of time.“The materials we’ve used are inherently stable and long-lived, so I think that kind of long-term operation is within the realm of possibility, and that’s what we’re working on,” Krishnan says.“We are very excited about these findings, which we believe could provide a whole new way of someday treating diabetes and possibly other diseases,” Langer adds.<hr>"Reprinted with permission of <a href="https://news.mit.edu/2023/implantable-device-enable-injection-free-control-diabetes-0918" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="isPasted">MIT News</a>" &nbsp;

MIT engineers designed an implantable device that carries hundreds of thousands of islet cells along with its own on-board oxygen factory to keep the cells healthy. Image: Felice Frankel

The device contains encapsulated cells that produce insulin, plus a tiny oxygen-producing factory that keeps the cells healthy.

An implantable device could enable injection-free control of diabetes

<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-rock-engineering-challenge" target="_blank">The ROCK Engineering Challenge</a> invited engineers, entrepreneurs, inventors, and developers to submit an idea for a part, product, or system that took advantage of the <a href="https://www.okdo.com/c/rock-shop/rock-sbc/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=rock_community_winner_interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK single-board computers</a>.&nbsp;We received a significant number of submissions from across the globe, impressed with cutting-edge applications of single-board computers.&nbsp;The Wevolver Community Vote winner was <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-rock-engineering-challenge-finalists-and-community-vote" target="_blank">selected by our community through a public poll</a>. The Wevolver community winners of the <a href="https://www.okdo.com/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=rock_community_winner_interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OKdo </a>challenge are Marcel Ochsendorf and Sebastian Kindorf, who are developing a thermal imaging medical device.&nbsp;This product is designed to aid medical facilities by using a thermal imaging camera to non-invasively record a patient's status. The system can determine breathing status, frequency, body temperature, and movements like falls, alerting medical staff when necessary.Wevolver’s Content Director, Jessica Miley, interviewed Marcel and Sebastian to learn more about their engineering careers, what motivated them to enter the challenge, and the plans for their ideas. Jessica Miley: Hi team. Thanks for speaking with us. Let’s start by getting you guys to introduce yourselves. Marcel Ochsendorf: My name is Marcel. I am currently a Master's student in my final semester. I have a Computer Science Bachelor and am now doing electrical engineering in my Master's. I love doing engineering projects, and I have attended several hackathons and so on in the past.Sebastian Kindorf: I'm Sebastian. After I completed an apprenticeship as an electrician, I decided to continue with a Bachelor's degree, also in electrical engineering, and then graduated with my Master’s degree in April. Afterwards I worked for two months in Morocco on an automation project for sustainable irrigation.Jessica Miley: How did you two meet and start working on this project together?Sebastian Kindorf: We met when we were both working at <a href="https://home.cern/" target="_blank">CERN</a>- the International Research Center in Switzerland. We actually met accidentally, and after we talked a little bit, we realized we were on the same wavelength. He [Marcel] makes a lot of electronic projects and so do I. After a few weeks, I said, “Okay, I think we should start a project together.” We had a few ideas, then I saw Wevolver had this engineering challenge and we decided to enter. So we went to a restaurant, drank two beers and did some brainstorming!Marcel Ochsendorf: This project was born out of an experience that I had doing some work as an IT engineer in a hospital a few years ago. This hospital had problems with monitoring patients because it is really <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/collaborative-machine-learning-that-preserves-privacy" target="_blank">data-sensitive</a>. In Germany, data is very regulated. For example, you cannot record a patient and then analyse it. So it's really challenging to create a device for <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/can-remote-patient-monitoring-improve-the-quality-of-healthcare" target="_blank">remote patient monitoring</a>. We had the idea to use a thermal camera to take a video feed anonymously, sSo you only have an abstract grayscale image with temperature information. Its not possible to clearly identify a person out of this captured image but it is possible to detect the patient's body (position, vital signs) so that patient monitoring can be done without violating the patient's personal rights and that the patient may feel uncomfortable by the "monitoring".&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1MjA2MTUyMTU1LU5DUE1TeXNfcHJvdG90eXBlICgyKS5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The remote patient monitoring device prototype.&nbsp;Jessica Miley: So the product addresses a problem that health institutions have of keeping an eye on a large number of patients - your product can monitor key health aspects such as breathing etc. - &nbsp;without needing staff to be everywhere at once?Marcel Ochsendorf: Yes. In Germany, and likely other countries, hospitals are very understaffed. So it’s a good solution to monitor patients without additional staff. Currently, patients are monitored by being physically attached to machines, for example, heart rate and oxygen via a finger clip.&nbsp;Jessica Miley: How does the product actually work?Sebastian Kindorf: The product primarily relies on two different sensor signals for its functioning.First, a thermal camera is utilized to record the patient's body temperature. Each individual has a unique "healthy" body temperature range, and deviations from this range can indicate potentially dangerous conditions such as hypothermia or fever. Monitoring body temperature serves as an essential indicator for determining if a patient requires closer examination.Secondly, a regular imaging camera, combined with specific evaluation algorithms, is used to derive additional parameters such as respiratory status, respiratory rate, heart rate, heart rate variability, and patient positioning. This information can provide insights into potential falls from the bed. To determine heart rate and heart rate variability, we employ remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) technology. The rPPG analyzes color changes in the skin to extract cardiovascular information.By simply transferring patient data, the hard-working healthcare workers should eventually be relieved.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1MjA2MTc2MDcxLU5DUE1TeXNfcHJvdG90eXBlX2JhY2t3aXRoUm9jayAoMikucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The device aims to reduce the workload of health care workers.&nbsp;Jessica Miley: What kind of technical hurdles have you faced, and how did you overcome them or what? How did using the ROCK hardware assist in that?Marcel Ochsendorf: The main goal is to do all the sensor processing locally. In addition, secure encryption algorithms must be used. This way, no sensitive data is left on a device or forwarded to personnel. The complete evaluation runs locally on the device and only status information leaves the device. This is to comply with the strict requirement of data protection guidelines.&nbsp;Sebastian Kindorf: The Rock chip has a very good GPU and thus good possibilities for processing by algorithms or trained AIs. Image processing is therefore much faster on the Rock chip than on a Raspberry Pi, for example, where only a few frames per second of high definition image data can be processed. Additionally, ROCK's single board computers were also available during the Covid19 pandemic, compared to many other SBCs which were not.&nbsp;Jessica Miley: Can you say a little bit about your plans for the future with this project? I know that you had said in your submission that you had spoken to one hospital about doing a test. So maybe you can talk a little bit about your plans to scale.Marcel Ochsendorf: Yes, we have talked to one hospital in Germany. It’s the institution I used to work for, so I have some contacts there. Once we finalize our prototype, the hospital has offered to give us some room or an environment to set up and test. This is an opportunity for us if we progress further and are confident that the system is fully working. Then we will have the opportunity to test it there.&nbsp;Jessica Miley: What other resources do you need to do that? What are the challenges ahead, apart from perhaps needing time?Sebastian Kindorf: We are implementing the project following the V-model methodology. The Concept of Operation (CoP) phase is complete, and we are now in the requirements and architecture phase. We are specifying the prototype and final product requirements and concretizing the device implementation. The hardware components for the final system have been determined, ordered, and will undergo step-by-step testing soon.I think we have an edge, and the device has a huge potential, even if we just say we only want to have it in intensive care.&nbsp;Jessica Miley: Final question: What advice would you give to other engineers who are developing novel projects like yours?&nbsp;Marcel Ochsendorf: Be creative. Here in the university context, people are afraid of trying things and wrecking things.&nbsp;Marcel Ochsendorf: You can't get some experience if you don't try it. Okay, this can break but at least you tried. Okay, this breaks. Okay, then it's fine. Then go on to the next iterations. I think this is a very good approach to build rather than overly plan. So, planning is good, but it's not everything!Jessica Miley: I love that approach; just trying something is as important as planning! And what about you, Sebastian? Do you have some advice?Sebastian Kindorf: I agree; if you don't try, you don't get experience. I also think you should make the most of being a student, because you have nothing to lose!Jessica: Thanks guys - this was a great conversation - we really look forward to following your journey with this project.&nbsp;

In response to the OKDo Engineering Challenge, Marcel Ochsendorf and Sebastian Kindorf developed a medical device that uses thermal imaging for remote patient monitoring. Their innovative project won the Wevolver Community Vote. 


Thermal imaging for remote patient monitoring: Winners of the OKdo Engineering Challenge Wevolver Community Vote

As part of the TechBlick (wwww.TechBlick.com) series we invited <a data-hook="linkViewer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wladimirpunt/" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wladimir Punt</a> from Molex to tell us about how &nbsp;hybrid printed electronics can enhance function and manufacturing of wearable medical sensors.&nbsp; Here you wll learn about the trends, archirectures and challenges. Wladimir and his team at Molex are very well placed in this field, having had the opportunity to develop, prototype, and mass produce many wearable medical sensors over the years. This article was originally published on TechBlick<a href="https://www.techblick.com/post/smart-skin-patches-and-noninvasive-medical-sensing-molex" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;here.</a>&nbsp;The advance of electronics miniaturization is opening new frontiers in Medtech, including in the field of adhesive skin patches. In the past, a skin patch might contain a single wired sensor. But today&rsquo;s smart skin patches incorporate a broader range of functions. Hybrid printed electronics permit a variety of electronic devices and noninvasive sensors to be affixed to a thin and flexible substrate, enabling designers to integrate sensors, microcontrollers, wireless connectivity and batteries into a capable, durable and connected device.&nbsp;Whether in a clinical or home setting, this enables far more comprehensive patient monitoring. Adding enhanced capabilities to lightweight and flexible skin patches allows patients to go about their day while they (or their healthcare provider) monitor vital signs or activity noninvasively. There is tremendous potential for this flexibility to improve patient monitoring and make it simpler, more comfortable and more accessible.<div data-hook="rcv-block9" type="paragraph"> </div><a href="https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a><div data-hook="imageViewer" tabindex="0"><a href="https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690284990194-1690284990194.png" alt="" data-pin-media="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/090711_9f48526d064f49abb931769f58299b01~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_1231,h_298,al_c,lg_1,q_90/090711_9f48526d064f49abb931769f58299b01~mv2.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></a></div><div data-hook="rcv-block12" type="empty-line"> </div><h3>The Evolving Need for Connected Medical Sensing</h3><div data-hook="rcv-block14" type="empty-line"> </div>The demand for mobile, connected and noninvasive medical sensing capabilities is growing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for hospitals and clinics to monitor patients remotely became clear. This capability did more than allow doctors to track their patients&rsquo; vital signs while maintaining social distancing &mdash; it also helped address hospital overcrowding and assisted in alleviating staffing issues. Smart skin patches have emerged as a lightweight, comfortable and portable method of monitoring patients both inside and outside a healthcare facility.&nbsp;The market for home health monitoring is flourishing as well. With smart skin patches, home users can monitor their heart activity, temperature and muscle health. These devices can be used for monitoring sleep and brainwave activity, making the low profile and light weight nature of smart skin patches especially helpful. Skin patches are increasingly popular for femtech applications such as pregnancy monitoring as well.&nbsp;Smart skin patches all use flexible printed circuit technology and safe skin contacting adhesive, but their design architecture varies depending on the application. Each skin patch design is customized and, depending on the need, can be disposable or reusable. Disposable and one-time-use skin patches have a flexible substrate, usually polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with the electronics affixed directly to the substrate. In reusable patches, the electronics are mounted inside a removable &ldquo;puck&rdquo; housing that mechanically and electrically connects to the substrate. The electronic components are reusable and only the electrodes in contact with the skin are disposable, reducing waste. This can, however, add logistics challenges and costs for the refurbishing process in some cases.<h3>Opportunities and Challenges of Smart Skin Patches</h3><div data-hook="rcv-block21" type="h3"> </div><div data-hook="imageViewer" tabindex="0"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690284989596-1690284989595.png" alt="" data-pin-media="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/090711_fe0334c255c64ef9b8d8fba7949a06f2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_661,al_c,q_85/090711_fe0334c255c64ef9b8d8fba7949a06f2~mv2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 578px;"></div><div data-hook="rcv-block24" type="image"> </div>Designers of monitoring systems can leverage a wide range of smart skin patch feature options. The skin patch can include various types of electronic devices. One or more sensors can be fitted, including temperature sensors, chemical sensors, electrodes and even optical sensors. The skin patch can also include a battery, a microcontroller and a radio frequency (RF) antenna to maintain a wireless connection to the network.&nbsp;These are the physical building blocks of the system, and to achieve a specific purpose designers can mix, match and customize them to meet performance targets. Different combinations of sensors and other devices can work with sophisticated software to noninvasively paint a picture of a patient&rsquo;s condition or vital signs.&nbsp;Sounds simple, right? Alas, system reliability requires several different engineering disciplines. For example, material science is vital to ensure the substrate can accommodate the expected wear, yet also provide a secure anchor for the electronic components. The type of conductive paste and hydrogel must meet the system&rsquo;s requirements for manufacturability, shelf life and performance. Electronic components need to operate reliably during the expected lifetime of the product. Robust testing and validation are necessary to ensure product performance and support regulatory compliance.<h3>From Concept to Production</h3>Creating a smart skin patch means assembling multiple puzzle pieces to create a complete system. Collaborating with a company with decades of experience in this field is crucial. At Molex, several engineering disciplines work together to achieve a unified goal:<ul><li>Hybrid printed electronics desig</li><li>Material science</li><li>Wireless connectivity</li><li>Sensor integration</li><li>Prototyping</li><li>Testing and validation</li><li>Production</li><li>Packaging</li></ul>Involving Molex engineers from the earliest stages of the design process helps ensure the product meets performance specifications and manufacturing requirements. In addition to engineering expertise, Molex also offers global manufacturing capabilities to reduce supply chain risks and speed time to market.&nbsp;The need for smart skin patches to improve patient wellness and outcomes is enormous and continues to grow. Our medical expertise and collaborative design approach coupled with our diversified supply chain, high-volume production capabilities and regulatory compliance experience (including ISO 13485 standards) enables Molex to support development of innovative skin patches that improve lives. Explore the benefits of this evolving technology - contact us about customized smart skin patch solutions.<h3>We exhibiting in Berlin on 17-18 OCT 2023. Join us, 78 other exhibitors, 68 presenters and 600+ peers.&nbsp;</h3>Lets RESHAPE Electronics Together, making it Additive, Sustainable, Flexible, and Wearable. <a data-hook="linkViewer" href="https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Explore now www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped</a><a data-hook="buttonViewer" href="https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" rel="noopener noreferrer" tabindex="0" target="_blank">Info &amp; Registration</a><a href="https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a><div data-hook="imageViewer" tabindex="0"><a href="https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690284990355-1690284990355.png" alt="" data-pin-media="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/090711_bfe22a07dc6e40a7996e12e0eda33f46~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_85/090711_bfe22a07dc6e40a7996e12e0eda33f46~mv2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></a></div> <div data-hook="rcv-block50" type="image"> </div>

Status and evolution of intelligent skin patches, enabled by flexible hybrid electronics, going from a single wired sensors to complex wireless multi-function capability. Learn about trends, archirectures and challenges from a manufacturer's point of view to understand how to design for production.

Smart Skin Patches and Noninvasive Medical Sensing

The global medical device contract research organization market was valued at $7.21 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.8% from 2023 to 2030. The market growth can be attributed to the growing demand for advanced medical devices, according to <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-device-contract-research-organization-market-report" target="_blank">an industry research report</a>.To stay ahead of the competition in the rapidly evolving medical device industry, it is crucial to adopt effective design principles. One such principle is &quot;KISS&quot;, Keep It Simple, Stupid. This design philosophy advocates for simplicity and minimal complexity in product design. By adhering to the &quot;KISS&quot; principle, medical device designers can ensure higher levels of user acceptance and interaction. This article explores how to apply &quot;KISS&quot; principles to medical device design, providing valuable insights for staying ahead in this competitive industry.<h3 dir="ltr">1. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Reduce the Part Quantities of a Product &nbsp;</h3>For medical product design engineers, reducing the number of components and simplifying product design can significantly reduce workload and minimize design errors. The tasks involved in the development cycle of a medical product component, including concept design, concept discussions, detailed design, CAE analysis, and DFMA checks, as shown in Figure-1, are all demanding tasks. Neglect or errors in any of these stages can have fatal consequences for product quality, cost, and development timeline. Therefore, reducing the number of components and simplifying product design provides visible benefits for engineers, allowing them to allocate more time and energy to improving the quality of product design.<h3 dir="ltr">2. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Decrease Color Variations</h3>Color is a powerful tool for communication, classification, and user guidance. It can differentiate important functions (red/yellow) from safe ones (green/blue) and indicate priority levels through shades. Colors can define product sections and remind users of proper usage. They also evoke emotions, with vibrant colors energizing fitness products and warm hues promoting calmness in prenatal settings. In medical product design, color guides users by highlighting buttons and important information on screens. Using color sparingly improves usability, while excessive color can cause confusion. In both software and hardware design, color and contrast lead users to crucial areas in medical devices.<h3 dir="ltr">3. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Streamline GUI Design</h3>The increasing use of medical products in home care calls for user-friendly designs that are easy to understand and use correctly. Simplifying the design and making it intuitive through shape can help non-professionals avoid mistakes. Large and single-function buttons, along with strategically used colors, aid in quick identification and access to critical features. In user interface design, minimalism reduces clutter, allowing users to focus on essential information. Fewer choices result in faster decision making, especially in time-sensitive medical situations. Hiding less important features in menus can further streamline the interface.<h3 dir="ltr">4. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Simplify the Structure for Easy Cleaning</h3>Medical products must be designed for easy cleaning due to their exposure to bodily fluids, alcohols, acids, reagents, viruses, and bacteria. To achieve this, gaps and crevices in the product&#39;s design should be minimized. Seams can be tightly sealed or covered with overlapping features. Accessible gaps allow for convenient wipe down. Additionally, the design should favor smooth, non-porous surfaces that can be easily cleaned with swabs, sprays, or wipes. Minimalistic shapes with fewer crevices further prevent the accumulation of dirt and contaminants. With our extensive experience in facilitating the development of medical products, we are ready to apply our expertise and manufacturing services for your upcoming project. Our wide range of medical-grade materials and on-demand mechanical parts manufacturing capabilities can streamline the development of medical devices by providing a single manufacturer for all stages, from prototyping to low-volume production to assemblies.

This article explores how to apply "KISS" principles to medical device design, providing valuable insights for staying ahead in this competitive industry.

Medical Devices

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