Cold atmospheric plasma deposition of antibacterial polypyrrole-silver nanocomposites on wearable electronics for prolonged performance.

Wearable electronics have become integral for monitoring physiological parameters in diverse applications, particularly in medical and military fields. e-Textiles, featuring integrated conductive threads or fabrics, offer seamless integration and comfort for prolonged contact with the body. Despite their potential, the biofouling of textile-based electrode systems by skin microbes remains a significant challenge, limiting their operational lifespan.

Laser-assisted surface alloying of titanium with silver to enhance antibacterial and bone-cell mineralization properties of orthopedic implants.

Orthopedic device-related infection (ODRI) poses a significant threat to patients with titanium-based implants. The challenge lies in developing antibacterial surfaces that preserve the bulk mechanical properties of titanium implants while exhibiting characteristics similar to bone tissue. In response, we present a two-step approach: silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coating followed by selective laser-assisted surface alloying on commonly used titanium alumina vanadium (TiAl6V4) implant surfaces.

Low-Cost Nonreversible Electronic-Free Wireless pH Sensor for Spoilage Detection in Packaged Meat Products.

Contamination of meat with pathogenic microorganisms can cause severe illnesses and food waste, which has significant negative impacts on both general health and the economy. In many cases, the expiration date is not a good indicator of meat freshness as there is a high risk of contamination during handling throughout the supply chain. Many biomarkers, including color, odor, pH, temperature, and volatile compounds, are used to determine spoilage.

Wearable adjunct ozone and antibiotic therapy system for treatment of Gram-negative dermal bacterial infection.

The problematic combination of a rising prevalence of skin and soft tissue infections and the growing rate of life-threatening antibiotic resistant infections presents an urgent, unmet need for the healthcare industry. These evolutionary resistances originate from mutations in the bacterial cell walls which prevent effective diffusion of antibiotics. Gram-negative bacteria are of special consideration due to the natural resistance to many common antibiotics due to the unique bilayer structure of the cell wall.

Printed Low-Cost PEDOT:PSS/PVA Polymer Composite for Radiation Sterilization Monitoring.

During the γ-radiation sterilization process, the levels of radiation exposure to a medical device must be carefully monitored to achieve the required sterilization without causing deleterious effects on its intended physical and chemical properties. To address this issue, here we have demonstrated the development of an all-printed disposable low-cost sensor that exploits the change in electrical impedance of a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (SIPN) composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as a functional polymer composite for radiation sterilization monitoring applications. Specifically, the PEDOT:PSS acts as the electrically conductive medium, while the PVA provides the ductility and stability of the printed sensors.

Low-Cost Flexible Glass-Based pH Sensor via Cold Atmospheric Plasma Deposition.

Many commercially available pH sensors are fabricated with a glass membrane as the sensing component because of several advantages of glass-based electrodes such as versatility, high accuracy, and excellent stability in various conditions. However, because of their bulkiness and poor mechanical properties, conventional glass-based sensors are not ideal for wearable or flexible applications. Here, we report for the first time the fabrication of a flexible glass-based pH sensor suitable for biomedical and environmental applications where flexibility and stability of the sensor are critical for long-term and real-time monitoring.

Flexible Microneedle Array Patch for Chronic Wound Oxygenation and Biofilm Eradication.

Chronic nonhealing wounds are a growing socioeconomic problem that affects more than 6 million people annually solely in the United States. These wounds are colonized by bacteria that often develop into biofilms that act as a physical and chemical barrier to therapeutics and tissue oxygenation leading to chronic inflammation and tissue hypoxia. Although wound debridement and vigorous mechanical abrasion techniques are often used by clinical professionals to manage and remove biofilms from wound surfaces, such methods are highly nonselective and painful.

Small intestinal sampling capsule for inflammatory bowel disease type detection and management.

Although serum and fecal biomarkers (, lactoferrin, and calprotectin) have been used in management and distinction between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), none are proven to be a differential diagnostic tool between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The main challenge with laboratory-based biomarkers in the stool test is the inability to indicate the location of the disease/inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract due to the homogenous nature of the collected fecal sample. For the first time, we have designed and developed a battery-free smart capsule that will allow targeted sampling of inflammatory biomarkers inside the gut lumen of the small intestine.

A Wireless Implantable Strain Sensing Scheme Using Ultrasound Imaging of Highly Stretchable Zinc Oxide/Poly Dimethylacrylamide Nanocomposite Hydrogel.

We are introducing a wireless and passive strain sensing scheme that utilizes ultrasound imaging of a highly stretchable hydrogel embedded with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, named "ZnO-gel". The incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into a polymer network of the hydrogel improves both its elasticity and strength. It also serves as an ideal biocompatible ultrasound contrast agent that allows remote interrogation of the changes in volume or dimensions of the hydrogel in response to mechanical strains through simple ultrasound imaging.