Development of Wearable Devices for The Continuous Measurement of Metabolites in The Body
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
To develop a device capable of continuously measuring metabolites in the body such as electrolyte/glucose concentrations and pH. The main driver of the project is the sensors must be reversible in nature to extend device life cycle and improve the number of applications that the devices can be applied to. The project is based around the utilization of an alternative polymerization mechanism than previously utilized, this will be discussed further in this document.
Objectives:
- Completion of literature review based around the previous publications of optical sensors utilized in the continuous measurement of substrates
- Utilization of UV photopolymerization technique to generate holographic gratings in a polymer matrix- Synthesis of Optical sensors for sensing different substrates
- Synthesis of Chelating ligand polymer units
- Incorporation of the sensors developed into a wearable device, this device can take the form of a contact lens, fiber optic or a skin patch, this will be decided depending on the developed sensors capabilities
- Working in partnerships with industry and medical institutions
- Obtain ISO standard accreditation for the lab
Objectives:
- Completion of literature review based around the previous publications of optical sensors utilized in the continuous measurement of substrates
- Utilization of UV photopolymerization technique to generate holographic gratings in a polymer matrix- Synthesis of Optical sensors for sensing different substrates
- Synthesis of Chelating ligand polymer units
- Incorporation of the sensors developed into a wearable device, this device can take the form of a contact lens, fiber optic or a skin patch, this will be decided depending on the developed sensors capabilities
- Working in partnerships with industry and medical institutions
- Obtain ISO standard accreditation for the lab
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513052/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2292855 | Studentship | EP/R513052/1 | 01/10/2019 | 31/03/2023 | Samuel Davies |
| Description | We endeavoured to develop a sensing technology known as holography for point-of-care biomarker monitoring. These devices work to provide greater information about biomarkers within a patient's system and can be used to identify illness faster and reduce the requirement for the involvement of healthcare professionals. Previously inorganic nanoparticles were required to produce these devices, reducing their ability to be applied in biosensing applications. Our technology removes these components and uses biocompatible materials that allow for application (once in vivo testing) to point-of-care patient monitoring. Two sensors were produced for monitoring wound pH which can be linked to healing/infection monitoring and a reusable urinary glucose monitoring device which can help patients to monitor their diabetic risk. Both devices were validated in biological samples and are currently under further development to produce a platform that can be trialled in-vivo before moving to the product development stage. From this funding, 4 research articles and a literature review have been published in academic journals. |
| Exploitation Route | From this research, a doubly UV photo-polymerised holographic sensing platform has been produced. This research has identified the techniques required to optimise sensor design and the relationship between sensor composition/response which can be taken on by future researchers to expand the biomarkers the sensors can monitor. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| URL | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956566322002469?via%3Dihub |
| Title | Wound pH monitor |
| Description | A colourimetric diagnostic tool for monitoring wound pH. The sensor has been published in the attached literature and is currently under further development to produce a medical device. The technology has been developed however the sensor now needs optimisation to be amenable to a wearable device and simple monitoring system. |
| Type | Diagnostic Tool - Non-Imaging |
| Current Stage Of Development | Refinement. Non-clinical |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2022 |
| Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
| Impact | The device could allow monitoring of wounds for infection without the requirement for bandage changing reducing the burden on healthcare providers. Alongside this an infection can be identified and treatment can begin as soon as possible. |
| URL | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956566322002469?via%3Dihub |