<div>For the first time, scientists, including one of Indian-origin, have developed smart threads integrated with nano-scale sensors, electronics and microfluidics that can be stitched through layers of tissue to gather diagnostic data in real time.<br /><br />The research led by Tufts University in the US suggests that the thread-based diagnostic platform could be an effective substrate for a new generation of implantable diagnostic devices and smart wearable systems.<br /><br />The researchers used a variety of conductive threads that were dipped in physical and chemical sensing compounds and connected to wireless electronic circuitry to create a flexible platform that they sutured into tissue in rats as well as in vitro.<br /><br />The threads collected data on tissue health, pH and glucose levels that can be used to determine such things as how a wound is healing, whether infection is emerging, or whether the body's chemistry is out of balance. The results were transmitted wirelessly to a cell phone and computer.<br /><br />The 3D platform is able to conform to complex structures such as organs, wounds or orthopedic implants.<br /><br />While more study is needed in a number of areas, researchers said initial results raise the possibility of optimising patient-specific treatments.<br /><br />"The ability to suture a thread-based diagnostic device intimately in a tissue or organ environment in three dimensions adds a unique feature that is not available with other flexible diagnostic platforms," said Sameer Sonkusale, from Tufts University's School of Engineering.<br /><br />"We think thread-based devices could potentially be used as smart sutures for surgical implants, smart bandages to monitor wound healing, or integrated with textile or fabric as personalised health monitors and point-of-care diagnostics," Sonkusale said.<br /><br />Until now, the structure of substrates for implantable devices has essentially been two-dimensional, limiting their usefulness to flat tissue such as skin.<br /><br />The materials in those substrates are expensive and require specialised processing, researchers said.<br /><br />"By contrast, thread is abundant, inexpensive, thin and flexible, and can be easily manipulated into complex shapes," said Pooria Mostafalu, who was a doctoral student at Tufts when he worked on the project.<br /><br />"Additionally, analytes can be delivered directly to tissue by using thread's natural wicking properties," Mostafalu said.<br /><br />The study was published in the journal Microsystems and Nanoengineering.</div>
<div>For the first time, scientists, including one of Indian-origin, have developed smart threads integrated with nano-scale sensors, electronics and microfluidics that can be stitched through layers of tissue to gather diagnostic data in real time.<br /><br />The research led by Tufts University in the US suggests that the thread-based diagnostic platform could be an effective substrate for a new generation of implantable diagnostic devices and smart wearable systems.<br /><br />The researchers used a variety of conductive threads that were dipped in physical and chemical sensing compounds and connected to wireless electronic circuitry to create a flexible platform that they sutured into tissue in rats as well as in vitro.<br /><br />The threads collected data on tissue health, pH and glucose levels that can be used to determine such things as how a wound is healing, whether infection is emerging, or whether the body's chemistry is out of balance. The results were transmitted wirelessly to a cell phone and computer.<br /><br />The 3D platform is able to conform to complex structures such as organs, wounds or orthopedic implants.<br /><br />While more study is needed in a number of areas, researchers said initial results raise the possibility of optimising patient-specific treatments.<br /><br />"The ability to suture a thread-based diagnostic device intimately in a tissue or organ environment in three dimensions adds a unique feature that is not available with other flexible diagnostic platforms," said Sameer Sonkusale, from Tufts University's School of Engineering.<br /><br />"We think thread-based devices could potentially be used as smart sutures for surgical implants, smart bandages to monitor wound healing, or integrated with textile or fabric as personalised health monitors and point-of-care diagnostics," Sonkusale said.<br /><br />Until now, the structure of substrates for implantable devices has essentially been two-dimensional, limiting their usefulness to flat tissue such as skin.<br /><br />The materials in those substrates are expensive and require specialised processing, researchers said.<br /><br />"By contrast, thread is abundant, inexpensive, thin and flexible, and can be easily manipulated into complex shapes," said Pooria Mostafalu, who was a doctoral student at Tufts when he worked on the project.<br /><br />"Additionally, analytes can be delivered directly to tissue by using thread's natural wicking properties," Mostafalu said.<br /><br />The study was published in the journal Microsystems and Nanoengineering.</div>