Medical Design Briefs - October 2023 - 45

n Sensor Uses Computer
Vision-Based Optical Strain
Technology
n Open-Source
Micro scale 3D printers
An advanced microscale
A research team has successfully
overcome the limitations
of soft strain sensors by
integrating computer vision
technology into optical sensors.
The team developed a
sensor technology known as
computer vision-based optical strain (CVOS). Unlike conventional
sensors reliant on electrical signals, CVOS sensors
employ computer vision and optical sensors to analyze microscale
optical patterns, extracting data regarding changes.
This approach inherently enhances durability by eliminating
elements that compromise sensor functionalities and
streamlining fabrication processes, thereby facilitating sensor
commercialization.
In contrast to conventional sensors that solely detect biaxial
strain, CVOS sensors exhibit the exceptional ability to detect
three-axial rotational movements through real-time multiaxial
strain mapping. In essence, these sensors enable the precise
recognition of intricate and various bodily motions through a
single sensor. The research team substantiated this claim
through experiments applying CVOS sensors to assistive devices
in rehabilitative treatments.
Through integration of an AI-based response correction algorithm
that corrects diverse error factors arising during signal
detection, the experiment results showed a high level of confidence.
Even after undergoing more than 10,000 iterations,
these sensors consistently maintained their exceptional performance.
(Image credit: POSTECH)
For more information, visit www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/
roundup/1023/strain-sensor.
n Biosensor Detects
Sepsis in Newborns
A low-cost biosensor,
called Neosens, will allow
doctors to diagnose sepsis
in a matter of minutes.
Neosens works by detecting
interleukin 6, a messenger
that's secreted by
newborns' immune systems in response to a host of biological
conditions. It's also the main early marker for sepsis.
Neosens' patented technology uses a machine learning
program to make the device more reliable and reduce its
detection time. The program can spot the marker almost
without fail.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an overactive
immune response, generally following a bacterial infection.
It's a major cause of infant death worldwide. According
to the World Health Organization, 2.9 million children under
the age of five died of sepsis in 2017, mainly in low- and middle-income
countries. However, early detection and treatment
with antibiotics can considerably improve a patient's outlook.
(Image credit: EPFL)
For more information, visit www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/
roundup/1023/neosens.
Medical Design Briefs, October 2023
3D printing technology used
for tissue engineering, cancer
research, and biofabrication
is now accessible to researchers
worldwide. The technology
centers around melt electrowriting
(MEW), a unique class of additive manufacturing that
enables the creation of high-resolution fibrous and porous structures
using electrically charged molten polymers.
The researcher's new paper provides a comprehensive instruction
plan to convert a standard 3D printer into a viable bioengineering
research printer for under $3,000 and could unlock new
possibilities in tissue engineering and biomaterial development.
In creating the device, the team prioritized affordable and commercially
available components. They converted a commercially
available fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer kit, an opensource
FFF Voron 0.1 printer, into a versatile MEW device that was
dubbed the " MEWron " . (Image credit: University of Oregon)
For more information, visit www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/
roundup/1023/microscale-3D.
n All-in-One Device for
Hemorrhage Control
A multi-faceted device is effective
for treating deep, noncompressible,
and irregularly shaped
wounds. The device
provides
rapid hemorrhage management,
has minimal inflammatory effects,
and provides infection control.
It also has tunable biodegradation
rates, making it usable for
both internal and external use
and features sensing capabilities for long-term hemorrhage
monitoring. The device is highly beneficial for timely alerts and
control of bleeding from surgical wounds, traumatic injuries,
and critical illnesses.
The team turned to silk fibroin, a protein produced by the
Bombyx mori silkworm. Silk fibroin is a biodegradable material
with optimum anti-inflammatory and mechanical properties
and can be engineered into porous, highly absorbent
memory-shaped sponges. These sponges can also promote
coagulation and tissue regeneration. The tunable degradation
rates of the sponges allow longer-term use in the body as
well as the possibility of integration with sensors that can
monitor bleeding over time.
The device consists of two silver nanowire layers positioned
above and below a hemostatic sponge layer. The nanowires
function as hemorrhage detection sensors as well as antibacterial
agents. The device also includes a nanowire-based capacitive
sensor for bleeding detection. During bleeding, the sponge absorbs
the blood, which increases its capacitance without affecting
its shape. The device selectively monitors blood absorption
against other bodily fluids it might encounter in the wound.
(Image credit: Terasaki Institute)
For more information, visit www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/
roundup/1023/sensor.
www.medicaldesignbriefs.com
45
Medical Design Briefs - October 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Medical Design Briefs - October 2023
