Disappearing act: Potential for biodegradable sensor

^{According to the University of Connecticut’s UConn Today, UConn engineers have come up with a biodegradable pressure sensor that could help doctors to monitor chronic lung disease, swelling of the brain, and other medical conditions before dissolving harmlessly into the body. This means the patient wouldn’t have to undergo surgery to remove the sensor, which is a huge step forward.}

Colin Poitras, UConn Today writes: “The small, flexible sensor is made of medically safe materials already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in surgical sutures, bone grafts, and medical implants. It is designed to replace existing implantable pressure sensors that have potentially toxic components.

“Those sensors must be removed after use, subjecting patients to an additional invasive procedure, extending their recovery time, and increasing the risk of infection.”

He adds that the UConn sensor emits a small electrical charge when pressure is applied. It also has potential for use in tissue regeneration and monitoring patients with conditions such as glaucoma, heart disease, and bladder cancer.