Skin Inspired Biosensors Can Offer Real-Time Wounds Monitoring

Researchers of Binghamton University have created new biosensors capable of real-time monitoring wounds for a long period. This special electronics took inspiration from human skin.

Ph.D. student Matthew Brown said:

The biosensor is able to monitor oxygen and lactate on the skin. Researchers have combined a physiochemical detector and a biological component in order to check and quickly detect changes happening in the body. Although biological sensor technology is improving, it still has limitations.

Brown said:

With the guidance of Ahyeon Koh, an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Matthew Brown, along with two other graduate students, Youjoong Park, and Brandon Ashley, and undergraduate Sally Kuan created a sensor that resembles the microarchitecture of the skin.

This open-mesh sensor is equipped with gold sensor cables to mimic the skin elasticity's mechanics.

Scientists have tried to keep these sensors from making the wearer feel uncomfortable. The better the sensor works with the patient, the better the data collected.  Brown continued:

Researchers still need to do research on this sensor in particular and in the field of biosensors in general. However, they still expect that it can become a path to creating more multifunctional sensors for wound healing.

According to Koh:

The process of wound healing is a complex one. When humans or animals have a skin wound, the cells that make up the outer layer of the skin called the epithelial cells will reach the affected area to seal the wound. This process is especially difficult for older people or big wounds.

Wounds can be fatal, especially for people having other health conditions, older people or people with limited medical support. Rapid wound healing is extremely important to avoid infection and unfortunate consequences.