The Rise of the Sensor devices: How Advanced Sensors are Redefining Medical Care

A recent journal related defined digital biomarkers as objective and measurable physiological and behavioral data. These are collected using digital devices like wearable's, portable's, implantable's, or ingestible's. This data helps explain, influence, and even predict health outcomes. Digital biomarkers offer a promising way to capture clinically relevant, objective data about a person's health. This field is inherently multidisciplinary, bringing together computer science, engineering, biomedicine, regulatory science, and informatics.^[1]

The 2023 COMPAMED Innovation Forum in Düsseldorf, Germany, showcased how leading international experts are integrating modern sensor technology into medical devices for diagnosis and treatment. Some of the innovation products are discussed below from the leading international sensor based companies.^[2]

New sensor-based devices are transforming how we collect and use clinical data, impacting decision-making. Companies like ES Systems develop compact sensors for medical devices (e.g., nebulizers) and monitor patient vitals (e.g., blood pressure). They're also using sensors and IoT to tackle Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs). Traditional methods rely on manual checks, which can miss outbreaks. Sensors provide real-time data and trigger automated alerts for potential risks (e.g., temperature spikes). This allows for faster intervention and infection prevention. Pilot studies show promise in reducing HAIs, a significant cause of death in hospitals.^[3]

Piezoelectric technology using ultrasound sensors enhances medical devices like infusion systems. These sensors help monitor vital signs and improve patient safety. A key application is air bubble detection in infusion systems. Air bubbles can be deadly, so immediate detection is crucial. Piezo sensors measure sound waves to detect bubbles based on how they reflect. This allows for real-time monitoring and immediate interruption if an air bubble is found. An advantage of piezo sensors is their compact size and non-invasive nature.They can be attached externally to tubes, preventing contamination of fluids.^[4]

Epicore Biosystems, US-based a biomedical device/ biosensors based biotech company that offers wearable microfluidic patches to analyze sweat for non-invasive health monitoring. Founded in 2017, they've partnered with major companies and research institutions. Their key products are 1) Discovery Patch System: This wearable patch collects sweat for lab analysis in clinical trials and research, 2) Gx Sweat Patch (with Gatorade): This patch tracks sweat biomarkers to provide personalized hydration and performance recommendations for athletes; & 3) Connected Hydration: This wearable tracker continuously monitors sweat loss, electrolytes, and body temperature to offer personalized hydration plans with dehydration alerts. These products are beneficial since these are non-invasive sweat analysis for various health applications, personalized hydration recommendations for athletes & streamlined sweat collection for research purposes. The multidisciplinary use of technologies include microfluidic patches capture sweat from the skin, sensors measure sweat volume, electrolytes, and body temperature, also algorithms that analyze data to provide personalized insights.^[5]

SmartNanotubes Technologies, partnering with duotec GmbH, has created a groundbreaking gas detector nano-chip for widespread use. This tiny chip is packed with high-performance features: Highly sensitive thanks to its specially designed nanomaterial. Energy-efficient for long-lasting operation. Compact for easy integration into various devices. Affordable for mass production. The sensor can detect a wide range of gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This versatility makes it suitable for numerous applications, including: Environmental and security monitoring, home and industrial safety systems, wearable health trackers and other IoT devices.^[6]

Photonics, the science of light, is being used to develop innovative biosensors for disease detection. A new white paper highlights a collaboration between PHIX and Surfix Diagnostics on a photonic biosensor for early cancer diagnosis. This technology offers several advantages:  High sensitivity for detecting multiple biomarkers at once, Fast and label-free detection process & improved sensitivity and reduced background noise due to unique nano coatings. The photonic biosensor uses light instead of electricity to detect biomarkers. Light travels through a tiny chip coated with receptor molecules that attract specific biomarkers in a sample. Binding of biomarkers to the receptors changes the light properties, which are then analyzed to identify the presence and amount of biomarkers. Surfix is focusing on developing this technology for various cancers using liquid biopsies.^[7]

Researchers are developing a novel biomedical device to improve wound healing. This plaster utilizes electrical gradients to stimulate cell migration and promote faster closure. The project focuses on creating biocompatible, flexible electronics using additive manufacturing techniques. In vitro studies show promise in accelerating the closure of wounds in lab settings. The property of an electrical gradient to induce cells in regenerative tissue to migrate and polarize in a directed manner is the target for the therapy forms developed in the BMBF project APFEL of Fraunhofer ENAS to induce accelerated and improved wound healing via an »intelligent electronic plaster«. ^[8]

German company TRUMPF Photonic Components and Danish company RSP Systems are partnering to develop a non-invasive glucose monitoring device for people with diabetes. This wearable wristband would eliminate the need for painful finger pricking or implanted sensors. TRUMPF contributes its expertise in miniature lasers (VCSELs) to miniaturize RSP's existing, non-invasive technology. This will transform their current book-sized device into a convenient wristband. "This partnership unlocks the potential of VCSEL technology for easier, cheaper, and pain-free blood sugar monitoring," says Berthold Schmidt, CEO of TRUMPF Photonic Components. "Touch Glucose Monitoring has been a dream for millions needing to track their glucose levels," says Anders Weber, CEO of RSP Systems. Their existing technology offers accurate, factory-calibrated readings with a simple touch, eliminating the need for finger pricking or ongoing calibration. This collaboration aims to bring this breakthrough to a comfortable, wearable format for a vast population. With over 540 million people globally living with diabetes, a painless and convenient monitoring solution is urgently needed. To address this, TRUMPF Photonic Components and RSP Systems are partnering to develop a wrist-worn glucose sensor using miniature lasers (VCSELs). This technology has the potential to improve the lives of hundreds of millions, as highlighted by TRUMPF's CEO, Berthold Schmidt. The importance of this innovation cannot be overstated. Diabetes is a significant health burden, with global healthcare costs exceeding $966 billion. Early detection and proper management are crucial to prevent devastating complications like blindness, kidney failure, and heart attack. ^[9]

The path forward in healthcare innovation is paved with collaboration across disciplines and industries. This article has set the stage by exploring various advancements, from the miniaturization of gas detectors to the use of photonics for early disease detection. Each example underscores the importance of merging expertise in engineering, computer science, biomedicine, and material science to bring groundbreaking solutions to life. As we strive to improve human health, fostering such collaborative environments will be key to unlocking the full potential of digital health technologies.

References:

1.Kerger, Digital Biomarker. URL: https://karger.com/dib

2.Medica Portal, The 2023 COMPAMED Innovation Forum:  This is why high-tech sensor technology is crucial for health care! Published on 01 July, 2023; Accessed on: 09 April, 2024. URL:https://www.medicatradefair.com/en/Media_News/Press/Press_material/Press_Release s/Press_Releases/The_2023_COMPAMED_Innovation_Forum_This_is_why_high tech_sensor_technology_is_crucial_for_health_care!?local_lang=2&lang=5

3. ES systems, The Future of Hospital Infection Control: Sensors & IoT. Published on: Nov 6, 2023; Accessed on: Apr 9, 2024.

URL: https://esenssys.com/future-of-hospital-infection-control-sensors-iot/

4. PI Technologies Ultrasonic Metering in Intensive Care Devices Fight against COVID-19. Accessed on: 09 April,2024   URL : https://www.pi-usa.us/en/tech-blog/ultrasonic-metering-in-intensive-care-devices 

5. Fortune 500 companies : Epicore biosystem. 

URL : https://www.epicorebiosystems.com/about/

About the Author:

Shruti  Talashi    

Ms.  Shruti  Talashi  boasts a dual mastery of lab research and writing.  Her doctoral study outcome as M.Phil in biomedical science while studying  breast cancer and an extraordinary masters degrees dissertation work on  exploring role of Gal-lectin in cancer metastasis fuels her extensive  research interests. She has gained few publication in journals. Bridging the  science-public gap is her passion, aided by expertise in diverse techniques.  From oncology to antibiotic/drugs production, she's led and managed complex  projects, even clinical trials. Now, as a freelance Content Coordinator for  Sinoexpo Pharmasource.com, her industry knowledge shines through valuable  insights on cutting-edge topics like GMP, QbD, and biofoundry.