Revolutionary breakthrough: Innovative sensor monitors patients through sweat, eliminating the need for blood testing
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Researchers at Calthec have simplified a laboratory test by developing a small patch that detects biomarkers of inflammation in sweat.
Medicine is in the midst of a revolution, with technology playing a key role in achieving faster and more accurate diagnoses, as well as the constant monitoring of patients during treatment. Data analysis using artificial intelligence, the development of biotechnological sensors that monitor health, and even implants that administer drugs and subsequently dissolve, are all being used in Spain and are propelling the medical sector into a new era.
In this regard, a group of Caltech researchers has created a revolutionary wearable skin sensor that can wirelessly detect organ inflammation through the patient's sweat. Inflammation is present in all diseases and health conditions, from arthritis to internal post-surgery recovery and even fever. This sensor can detect such inflammation and enable action to be taken before other symptoms such as pain, redness or swelling appear, both inside and outside the body.
For surgeries, smart sutures are being investigated that can detect inflammation and react by applying medication in a precise way. In other cases, patient monitoring requires regular blood tests, which slows down the medical response. Having a portable device that allows patients to provide immediate data on their progress from home would speed up the outcome of treatments.
Wei Chao, assistant professor of medical engineering, a researcher at the Heritage Medical Research Institute and a Ronald and Joanne Willens Fellow, explains: "We want to explore whether this can be used for chronic disease management. Inflammation poses a risk for many patients. If we could monitor it at home, we could identify their risk and provide timely treatment. The results of this innovative project have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, opening up new possibilities for future healthcare.
References
El revolucionario sensor que evita los análisis de sangre: monitoriza al paciente a través del sudor | El Español, Omicrono, Retrieved July 8th, 2023 from: https://www.elespanol.com/omicrono/tecnologia/20230708/revolucionario-sensor-evita-analisis-sangre-monitoriza-paciente-traves-sudor/774672608_0.html
A wireless patch for the monitoring of C-reactive protein in sweat | Nature Biomedical Engineering, Retrieved June 22nd, 2023 from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-023-01059-5
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