Discovery, design, and optimization of implantable/wearable, wireless biosensors

Abstract

In the world of wireless technology, communication, power supply, and response time of the sensors are the focal points of device design. Bluetooth and Near-Field-Communication (NFC) are two excellent methods of communication ideal for short range wireless technology. Battery technology and wireless power transfer free devices from immobilizing power cords. Finally, optimizing real time detection and data delivery offers great advantages to the user when it comes to monitoring the targets. The goal of this work is to explore these focal points and find synergy between various methods and components to create novel, wearable, wireless biosensors. Because there is a countless amount of design combinations, these devices will utilize a combination of dependable and innovative technology, and certain components will be characterized and tested to reduce the subjectivity of their inclusion. From these tests, two different sensors passed preliminary tests that confidently suggest that the devices can operate in their intended environments. The current challenges posed by wireless biosensors can be seen as opportunities for improvement. In this document, we will explore the design process and operation of two different biosensors. The first biosensor that will be discussed, is a wireless, battery-less, implantable biosensor for optogenetic and pharmacological stimulation. For this work, the focus was on improving the sensor introduced in, Battery-free, lightweight, injectable microsystem for in vivo wireless pharmacology and optogenetics. Here, the focus lay on characterizing and potentially improving wireless power harvesting as well as novel programming to operate NFCbased devices. The second biosensor is a wireless, non-invasive pressure sensor intended to aid in diabetic foot ulcer healing. The focus of this work will lay on characterizing the pressure sensor and ultimately designing a device intended for clinical use. Both projects will have different testing criteria as to efficiently administer applicable tests and avoid redundant data that may not be pertinent to the project.