A 3D printed light-sensing medical device could help millions of people worldwide with lupus. (Credit: McAlpine Group, University of Minnesota)

A 3D printed light-sensing medical device is placed directly on the skin and gives real-time feedback to correlate light exposure with disease flareups. The device could help millions of people worldwide with lupus and other light-sensitive diseases by providing access to more personalized treatments and information to determine what causes their symptoms.

The 3D printed device with a flexible UV-visible light detector can be placed on the skin. The device is integrated with a custom-built portable console to continuously monitor and correlate light exposure to symptoms.

The device consists of multiple layers of materials printed on a biocompatible silicone base. The layers include electrodes and optical filters. Filters could be changed out depending on the wavelength of light that needs to be assessed. The research team also used zinc oxide to collect the ultraviolet (UV) light and convert it to electrical signals. The device is mounted on the skin and a custom-built console is attached to capture and store the data.

For more information, visit here .

Topics:
Additive manufacturing Digital Health Diseases Medical Medical equipment and supplies Medical, health and wellness Wearables

More From SAE Media Group

Medical Design Briefs
UV Sensors for Wearables Are Flexible, Sensitive
Related article image
Medical Design Briefs
3D Printed Biosensor Could Improve Glucose Monitors
Related article image
Sensor Technology
Ultra-High Performance Flexible Ultraviolet Sensors for Use in Wearables
Related article image
Medical Design Briefs
Wearable Sensors Measure Body Position
Related article image
    Magazine cover
    Medical Design Briefs Magazine

    This article first appeared in the December, 2022 issue of Medical Design Briefs Magazine.

    Read more articles from this issue here.

    Read more articles from the archives here.