Communications of the ACM
U-M Developing Wearable Tech For Disease Monitoring
A magnification of the sensor that can measure a broad array of chemical attributes.
Credit: Joseph Xu / University of Michigan
University of Michigan (U-M) researchers are developing a wearable vapor sensor that could offer continuous disease monitoring for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, or lung disease. The researchers say the sensor would be the first wearable device to pick of a wide range of chemical, rather than physical, attributes. "Each of these diseases has its own biomarkers that the device would be able to sense," says U-M professor Sherman Fan.
In addition to being able to detect a broader array of chemicals than conventional devices, the system is faster, smaller, and more reliable than its counterparts, according to the researchers. The sensor also would be able to identify the presence of hazardous chemical leaks in a laboratory, or provide data about air quality. "With our platform technology, we can measure a variety of chemicals at the same time, or modify the device to target specific chemicals," says U-M professor Zhaohui Zhong.
The researchers relied on a technique known as heterodyne mixing, which involves examining the interaction between the dipoles associated with molecules and the nanosensor at high frequencies. They currently are working with the U.S. National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps program to commercialize the sensor.
From University of Michigan
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