WEARSENSNANO · Continuous monitoring of hypothermia in elderly people by the novel integrated wearable sensor system based on cellulose hydrogel and metallic nanowires
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-06-01 → 2023-05-31
- EU contribution
- €202,681
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
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Results in brief
Continuous monitoring of hypothermia in elderly people by the novel integrated wearable sensor system based on cellulose hydrogel and metallic nanowires
The European population is experiencing a continuous increase in average age, with the proportion of individuals aged 65 and above projected to rise from 21% in 2019 to 30% by 2050. This demographic trend carries significant social implications, particularly for Europe's future economy. Ageing poses a heightened risk of hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can generate, resulting in a potentially dangerous decrease in body temperature (<35°C). Manifestations of hypothermia encompass cold skin, muscle rigidity, shivering, unconsciousness, slow and shallow breathing, and changes in heart activity. To enable early detection of hypothermia, continuous monitoring of various physiological parameters, such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, skin temperature, and muscle activities, is crucial. Nonetheless, several challenges exist in implementing such monitoring systems. Firstly, the need for rigid circuit boards and bulky power supplies to capture electrical signals from the body requires adhesion to the skin using adhesive tape and mechanical clamps. Secondly, this monitoring system necessitates the presence of a nurse or family member to provide dedicated attention or keep the patient in a hospital or specialized care facility. To address these issues, the proposed solution aims to utilize wearable sensors capable of measuring ECG signals, skin temperature, and muscle activities through pressure and temperature sensors, respectively. These wearable sensors are designed to be ultrathin, lightweight, flexible, stretchable, and conformable, facilitating unobtrusive and comfortable monitoring. By enabling care for elderly individuals within private homes using wearable sensors, this solution opens new possibilities for human-activity monitoring and personal healthcare. The current market for wearable sensors detecting pressure, temperature, and strain is substantial, estimated to reach approximately 10 billion USD by 2019, accompanied by a surge in patents, companies, and products in this domain. Main target of the project was to enable highly sensitive wearable integrated capacitive type pressure sensors and resistive type temperature sensor systems for real time human motion detection and body temperature. Our objective was to fabricate the sensors with low-cost materials, sensitive dielectric material, skin friendly natural flexible substrate as well as uncomplicated processes.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
One common influence of ageing is that it makes the individual susceptible to hypothermia, which is known to be death causing low body temperature (35°C). Hypothermia could be detected at early stages by monitoring various physiological parameters such as ECG signal, skin temperature and body movement. Owing to their flexibility and stretchability, wearable sensors could provide long term continuous recordings of electrophysiological activity for monitoring hypothermia in elder people.Wearable temperature, pressure and strain sensors in forms were studied by many research groups. Those approaches utilized complex and high-cost photolithography techniques, which makes the devices far from commercialization. Besides, the poor processability and lack of skin compatibility of stretchable polymers used as substrates prevents the practical use of these materials. However, solution-processable nanomaterials offer a unique way to reduce the cost and complexity, while cellulose hydrogel is easy processable and skin friendly polymer. Thus, in this project, we aim to develop an integrated wearable temperature and pressure/strain sensor based on solution processable nanowires, and cellulose hydrogel to monitor hypothermia in elder people via measuring pressure, strain and temperature. Pressure/Strain sensor will be prepared via laminating two silver nanowire printed cellulose hydrogels sandwiching a pressure sensitive dielectric layer. Temperature sensor will be fabricated via transfer printing of gold nanowires on the cellulose hydrogel substrate. Next, pressure/strain and temperature sensors will be laminated to form the integrated sensor. Finally, the sensors will be used in real patients. In terms of research quality, infrastructure and services, Prof. Vapaavuori’s lab and Aalto University are quite appropriate for the proposed project. The training is believed to strongly contribute to the researcher’s academic, and scientific career.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR · EspooCoordinatorFinland
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union