Wireless physiological sensors for ambulatory and implantable applications (Academy of Finland, Future Electronics Research Programme)
Principal Investigators at ASE: Prof. Jukka Lekkala
Duration of the project: 01.08.2003 - 31.12.2006
Abstract of the project as written on the project plan:
The aim of this project is to study and develop wireless sensor technology for ambulatory and implantable human psychophysiological applications. The wireless sensors will be demonstrated in certain soft and hard tissue implant applications such as implantable electrodes for detection of cardiac state or bone implant monitoring. The technology to develop wearable or implantable sensors for long term monitoring physiological parameters is now emerging. The electronic integration and packaging technology provide tools to produce the measurement electronics and the telemetry systems into single chip size objects. This multilayer circuitry could include also microsensors, basic signal conditioning, analog-to-digital converters, and embedded micro controllers and wireless communication electronics. The biomaterial and tissue engineering sciences provide tools to tailor biocompatibility and functionality of the surfaces of the implantable sensors.
The research is based on combining the research efforts and expertise of five research groups having the necessary background in physiological system modeling, biomaterial and tissue engineering, biosensor technology, wireless technology and electronic integration and manufacturing technology building together a new kind of expertise for this field in Finland. The project is expected to produce new technology and knowledge for ambulatory and implantable human psychophysiological measurements. This includes the implantable measurement systems per se, transmission of data and power to and from implanted devices, the electric packaging of microsensors and measurement instrumentation for implantable application, and selection and testing the biocompatible coating material related to the implantable sensors.
The proposed research could have long range impacts in opening a novel, promising and emerging research area as well as potentially generating new industry demanding high expertise that combines traditionally strong Finnish industry areas: electronics, communication, biomaterials and physiological monitoring.
Results of the project and possible follow-ups:
Two implantable physiological measurement devices with inductive power and data transmission coupling. The measurement devices were tested both in vitro and in vivo. By the in vitro tests, some changes had to be made on the design for the devices to work inside the tissue. The in vivo tests were run on cows where the measurement devices can be utilised to assess the phychophysiological well-being of the animals. The following project, Wisepla, was heavily linked to the Wireless project.
Financing organisations: Academy of Finland, as a part of the Future Electronics research programme.
Research personnel at ASE: 1-2 (a researcher and an occasional Msc student)
Cooperation organisations and units: Biomedical Engineering (biomaterials and biomedical modelling), Electronics (electronics miniaturisation and personal electronics)