Scientists from the Chinese mainland and Singapore have developed a groundbreaking injectable sensor that enables wireless monitoring of brain signals. This miniaturized device promises to revolutionize how medical professionals track intracranial conditions.
Traditionally, monitoring physiological indicators like intracranial pressure requires surgical implantation of wired sensors. These existing solutions often involve invasive procedures and bulky devices, making continuous monitoring challenging.
The innovative hydrogel cube sensor, measuring just 2 millimeters, can be seamlessly implanted into the intracranial space using a simple puncture needle. Developed by researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and Nanyang Technological University, this sensor offers a minimally invasive alternative.
Once injected, the hydrogel adapts to physiological changes by deforming, which alters the peak frequency of reflected ultrasound waves. These changes can be wirelessly detected by an external ultrasound probe, allowing for non-invasive monitoring as detailed in a recent study published in Nature.
This versatile sensor is capable of independently measuring intracranial pressure, temperature, pH levels, and flow rates, with a detection depth reaching up to 10 centimeters. Such capabilities provide comprehensive insights into the brain's environment without the need for cumbersome equipment.
The hydrogel remains stable for three to four weeks post-implantation before gradually degrading around the fifth week. It is nearly completely decomposed within 18 weeks, ensuring no systemic immune responses, as demonstrated in rat studies.
Further animal experiments on pigs have shown that the sensor performs exceptionally well, matching the efficacy of traditional non-resorbable wired clinical benchmarks. This advancement signifies a major step forward in medical monitoring technology.
\"Our ultrasonic sensing technology is versatile and can be adapted for use beyond the brain,\" said Zang Jianfeng, one of the corresponding authors from HUST. This statement highlights the potential for broader applications of the technology in various medical fields.
Reference(s):
Injectable, wireless sensor designed for brain signal monitoring
cgtn.com
