University of Sussex researchers have developed a fitness and healthcare monitoring technology from seaweed, as reported by Interesting Engineering.
(Photo : by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)
Danielle Hopson, a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, harvests sugar kelp at the Shinnecock Kelp Farmer which will be used as a natural fertilizer for sea and beach grass planted to prevent beach erosion in the Hampton Bays on July 26, 2022.
The new sensors can be worn by runners or patients to monitor their heart rate and temperature. They combined natural materials, like rock salt, water, and seaweed with graphene to create the health sensor.
The 'Seaweed' Sensor
According to the researchers, the sensors are 100 percent biodegradable and more eco-friendly compared to conventional rubber and plastic-based alternatives.
Electronics that can be consumed have a lot of benefits as they can carry out important tasks inside the body. The natural composition of the sensors can also place them within the emerging field of edible electronics.
The seaweed is mainly an insulator but the researchers were able to produce and electrically conducive layer by adding graphene to the mixture. Thus, it allows it to absorb water quickly when submerged in a salt bath, which forms a spongy hydrogel that is electrically conducive.
Revolutionizing Health Monitoring Technology
The success in the development of this health sensor may potentially revolutionize health monitoring technology. With the future looking to use clinical-grade wearable sensors that resemble a second skin or a temporary tattoo.
This can improve the patient experience significantly as it eliminates the need to use hospital tools, wires, and leads that are intrusive.
The graphene-based seaweed hydrogel also has the potential to be used in other medical applications, such as drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Its flexible nature and ability to absorb water quickly make it an ideal material for medical applications. Furthermore, its electrical conductivity makes it possible to monitor vital signs such as heart rate and respiration.
Overall, the development of this graphene-based seaweed hydrogel has the potential to revolutionize health monitoring technology and medical applications. It provides a flexible, water-absorbing, and electrically conductive material that can be used to monitor vital signs and deliver drugs and other treatments.
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The Future of Edible Health Monitoring Sensors
The development of graphene-based seaweed hydrogel is a promising development in the field of edible health monitoring sensors. In the future, these sensors may be used to monitor vital signs such as heart rate, respiration, and temperature. Furthermore, they could be used to deliver drugs and other treatments directly to the body.
They could provide a more accurate and efficient way to monitor patients' health and provide treatments. In addition, they could reduce the need for invasive medical procedures and improve the patient experience.
The future of edible health monitoring sensors is an exciting one and one that could revolutionize healthcare and medical technology.
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