Printed Sensors for Healthcare

Why Printed Sensors Provide the Leading Edge

Printed sensors can be processed on ultra-thin and flexible substrates so that they can be integrated into medical packaging, products or devices. Printed on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the sensor foils do not generate any disturbing noise, even when bent or stretched. Moreover, TPU offers pleasant tactile properties which also enable the implementation of applications with direct skin contact. Further, the sensors can easily be integrated into textiles. These benefits open the door for completely new applications. Finally, the sensors can also be used as disposable products, as they can be printed on organic and recyclable materials, on the one hand, and then again, low manufacturing costs are possible through roll-to-roll production. Thus, a suitable solution can be developed for almost any individual application.

What Applications In Healthcare Are Conceivable?

For example, our sensors can be integrated into containers such as tablet blisters or drips to track the amount of medication or liquid, to ensure the correct dosage of medication or to ensure timely replenishment. This benefits both patients and health insurance companies and is particularly relevant for essential as well as expensive medications.

New control systems can be created by integrating sensors in hospitals or care facilities. Intelligent beds and the integration of data into IoT systems enable an individual treatment of every patient. By using pressure sensor matrices in hospital and care beds, for example, fall injuries and bedsores (decubitus) could be prevented. For one thing, this means massive savings through more efficient use of nursing staff, and for the other, by avoiding costs due to consequential damage and legal proceedings. In the USA alone, these savings amount to tens of billions.

In addition, the technology enables new therapeutic methods such as digital occlusion measurement or intelligent shoe soles. The latter support, for example, the analysis as well as the training of correct and safe walking behavior in Parkinson's patients. Many other solutions can be realized which help both nursing staff and patients.

Case Study - OccluSense® by Bausch

The newly developed OccluSense® product from Bausch with integrated flexible, printed pressure sensors from InnovationLab combines conventional and digital occlusion control. For the first time, the pressure distribution during the biting process is recorded digitally. The revolutionary aspect of this device is the digital visualization of the occlusal contact points and the associated occlusal dysbalance. The device can be operated by any dentist who uses the occlusion test as part of their daily routine.