Dr. Philipp Gutruf and his research group at the University of Arizona are developing devices that are closely integrated into biological systems using a combination of flexible materials, photonics and electronics. They are intended for use in diagnostics, therapeutics and neuroscience.
Thanks to LPLAN, their biomedical wearables have a significantly greater range. How does this affect wearer comfort?
The technological innovation is the integration of what would normally require a large antenna and bulky electronics into an almost imperceptible form factor. These biosymbiotic electronics are soft and conform to the skin. We distribute ICs and other components across small islands connected by a mesh-like, stretchable structure. This enables a flat, almost textile feel.
Body-hugging electronics touch on sensitive areas such as ethics, data protection and stigmatization. To what extent do these issues affect your research?
Our devices have onboard computing functions so that raw data does not leave the device and only processed information can be transmitted in encrypted form. In addition, our biosymbiotic electronics are very inconspicuous. If the device is worn under clothing, it is invisible.
How much and how quickly will wearables change medicine?
Acceptance in hospitals by doctors, nursing staff and patients is crucial for the development of personalized digital medicine. With our new class of devices, some technological obstacles have been removed. But it remains to be seen when we will see their widespread use in the outpatient sector.
