Researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, China, have developed a groundbreaking biodegradable, wireless sensor designed to monitor brain health following head injuries or cancer treatments (via South China Morning Post).
This novel device offers a less invasive alternative to traditional wired sensors, potentially transforming patient care in medical settings.
Chinese researchers develop a sesame seed-sized biodegradable brain sensor to monitor brain health following head injuries or cancer treatments.Photo by Natasha Connell on Unsplash
Impressive Brain Sensor the Size of a Sesame Seed
Published in the journal Nature on June 5, the study details the sensor's ability to measure critical health markers such as temperature, pH, intracranial pressure, and blood flow.
Measuring just 2 millimeters on each side, roughly the size of a sesame seed, this tiny sensor operates through an external ultrasound probe, eliminating the need for invasive surgeries for implantation or removal.
Biomedical engineer and co-author of the study, Yueying Yang, emphasized the potential impact of this technology. The sensor's wireless design and biodegradability address significant challenges associated with traditional wired sensors, which can lead to infection risks and require additional surgeries for removal.
To evaluate their performance and biocompatibility, the research team tested the sensors on rats and pigs. When implanted 5 millimeters beneath the skulls of rats, the sensors successfully detected changes in intracranial pressure and temperature, performing as well as or even better than conventional wired sensors.
For example, the gel sensor accurately recorded pressure changes induced in the rats' brains by squeezing their bellies. Similarly, it reliably detected temperature changes when heat or ice packs were applied near the rats' heads.
In pigs, the sensors demonstrated their sensitivity by detecting minute pressure changes caused by the animal's breathing-a feat that conventional wired probes failed to achieve. This suggests the gel sensor's superior precision and potential for broader clinical application.
The sensor's functionality stems from its hydrogel composition. Hydrogel, commonly used in tissue regeneration and drug delivery, is soft and flexible, making it ideal for brain implants.
The gel changes shape in response to different temperatures, pressures, and pH levels. These shape changes are then detected by an external ultrasound probe, a standard tool in medical imaging, enabling real-time monitoring of brain conditions without invasive procedures.
Biodegradable Brain Implant
The sensor's biodegradability is a significant advantage. It begins to dissolve in the brain after five weeks and completely breaks down in saline solution after four months, eliminating the need for surgical removal and significantly reducing the risk of infection and complications associated with traditional wired sensors.
Despite the promising results, researchers acknowledge the need for further studies to ensure the sensor's safety and efficacy in humans. Julia Körner, a developer of hydrogel-based biomedical sensors at Leibniz University Hannover, stressed the importance of investigating whether the by-products formed as the sensors break down are harmful or can accumulate elsewhere in the body.
The research team plans to refine the sensor to ensure its stability over longer periods and explore scalable manufacturing options. They are also discussing with clinicians the best ways to integrate this technology into clinical practice.
