UPDATE: A revolutionary wearable ultrasound sensor has just been developed by a research team from KAIST, overcoming significant limitations in noninvasive medical treatment. This breakthrough, led by Professor Hyunjoo Jenny Lee, promises to reshape the future of wearable health technology by enabling precise imaging and therapeutic applications using ultrasound energy.
The new sensor features a flexible design that allows for statically adjustable curvature, a drastic improvement over conventional systems plagued by low power output and poor structural stability. These advancements mean that high-resolution imaging and effective treatment are now possible without invasive procedures, marking a significant shift in medical technology.
How does it work? The team has created a “flex-to-rigid (FTR)” capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT), which can switch between flexible and rigid states. Utilizing a semiconductor wafer process known as MEMS, the device incorporates a low-melting-point alloy (LMPA) that melts when an electric current is applied, allowing the structure to morph into various shapes. Upon cooling, it solidifies in the desired curvature, enhancing its functionality and adaptability.
Traditional polymer-membrane-based CMUTs have struggled with low acoustic power and blurred focal points, making them inefficient for targeted treatment. The FTR design combines a rigid silicon substrate with a flexible elastomer bridge, achieving superior output performance while maintaining mechanical flexibility. This innovation allows the new sensor to automatically focus ultrasound on targeted areas, enhancing treatment precision without the need for additional beamforming electronics.
The potential for therapeutic applications is astounding. The device’s acoustic output reaches levels comparable to low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), which can stimulate tissues noninvasively, promoting healing without causing damage. Animal model experiments have shown promising results, with noninvasive spleen stimulation significantly reducing inflammation and improving mobility in arthritis cases.
Looking ahead, the KAIST team plans to expand this technology into a two-dimensional (2D) array, arranging multiple sensors in a grid format. This advancement will enable simultaneous high-resolution ultrasound imaging and therapeutic applications, paving the way for a new generation of smart medical systems. Given its compatibility with semiconductor fabrication processes, this technology is poised for mass production, making it accessible for both wearable and home-use ultrasound systems.
This groundbreaking work was co-authored by Sang-Mok Lee and Xiaojia Liang, and the findings are set to be published in npj Flexible Electronics later this year. The significant implications for healthcare are clear: with this technology, noninvasive treatments could become a standard component in managing various medical conditions.
As research continues to evolve, the world watches closely for the next developments in this exciting field. This innovation not only brings hope to patients seeking noninvasive treatment options but also marks a pivotal moment in the integration of technology and healthcare.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story as the implications of the new wearable ultrasound sensor unfold.
