A lot has changed in people's lives over the last decade due to the fast advancement of wearable electronic devices. There is an immediate need for a portable electronic gadget that is easy to use and can closely coordinate with human activities. Overuse injuries to muscles, joints, ligament or tendons are common, and macro-traumatic injuries caused by powerful forces are also common. In most cases, these injuries necessitate ongoing medical care so that the patient may lead a regular life again. Physical therapy (heat treatments or electrotherapy), rehabilitation training methods (gait correction training) and effective early warning systems are usually necessary, along with accurate injury assessments (joint mobility assessments).
Smart wearables have pushed healthcare electronics toward normalcy and customization by detecting motion, quantifying gestures and preventing injuries. Using a multi-angle fiber arrayed fabric sensor, users may reportedly capture exact, real-time measurements of flexion and rotation of the shoulders, knees and wrists. Also, for regular exercise, there are smart strain sensor insoles that can monitor gait. Therefore, there is a need for biocompatible electronics, which will be discussed in this article.
Major applications
- Implantable medical devices: Biocompatible electronics enable the development of devices that can be safely implanted within the human body for long-term monitoring and treatment of various medical conditions. These devices can monitor vital signs, deliver drugs or stimulate nerves and muscles.
- Wearable health monitoring: Implantable devices that continuously monitor vital signs including glucose levels, heart rate and blood pressure can be made with biocompatible materials, allowing for their creation in a discreet and pleasant manner.
- Neuroprosthetics: Biocompatible electronics can interface with the nervous system to restore lost functions, such as hearing, vision and movement.
- Tissue engineering: Biocompatible electronics can be integrated into tissue engineering scaffolds to provide electrical stimulation and control cell growth and differentiation, leading to the development of artificial tissues and organs.
- Environmental monitoring: Sensors that can detect and record the levels of harmful substances in the environment and the state of ecosystems can be developed using biocompatible electronics.
How can biocompatible electronics be inserted into the human body?
For better understanding, let’s look into an example of “implantable pacemaker” to see how such electronics can be inserted into human body. Here are the typical steps:
- Surgical procedure: The patient undergoes a surgical procedure, usually performed under local anesthesia.
- Skin incision: A small incision is made in the chest, typically near the collarbone.
- Device insertion: The pacemaker, a small, battery-powered device, is inserted through the incision and positioned beneath the skin.
- Lead placement: Thin, flexible wires called leads are attached to the pacemaker. These leads are threaded through veins to the heart.
- Lead attachment: The leads are positioned to deliver electrical impulses to the heart muscle, regulating its rhythm.
- Device activation: Once the leads are in place, the pacemaker is activated and programmed to the patient's specific needs.
- Incision closure: The incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples.
Are biocompatible electronics safe for the human body?
Like any medical device, there can be risks associated with their implantation or use. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks of a specific device.
The following are some key factors that contribute to the safety of biocompatible electronics:
- Material selection: Biocompatible materials are carefully chosen to minimize the risk of adverse reactions, such as inflammation or tissue rejection. For example, materials are selected that do not release toxic substances into the body and some materials are chosen for their inert nature, meaning they do not interact significantly with the body's tissues, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
- Rigorous testing: Biocompatible electronics undergo extensive testing to evaluate their safety and performance before being approved for human use. For example, cytotoxicity testing assesses the toxicity of the materials to cells. Cells are cultured in the presence of materials, and their viability and proliferation are monitored.
- Regulatory approval: Devices must meet strict regulatory standards and undergo rigorous clinical trials to ensure their safety and efficacy. For example, ISO 10993 is a series of international standards that provide guidance on the biological evaluation of medical devices. It covers a wide range of topics, including cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, implantation and systemic toxicity.
- Continuous monitoring: Once implanted, biocompatible devices are often monitored remotely to detect any potential issues and take corrective action if necessary. For instance, many devices use radio frequency technology to transmit data wirelessly to external receivers. This data can include vital signs, device performance metrics and battery levels.
Conclusion
Even though biocompatible electronics are usually safe, people's reactions could differ. Minor adverse effects, such as infection or pain at the insertion site, may occur in some patients. Fortunately, with the right therapy, these adverse effects are typically just brief. Early problem diagnosis, prompt management, better patient outcomes and decreased healthcare expenses are just a few of the advantages of remote monitoring of biocompatible devices.
