BREAKING NEWS: A groundbreaking wearable ultrasound sensor has been developed by a research team at KAIST, led by Professor Hyunjoo Jenny Lee, offering a noninvasive treatment option that could revolutionize medical imaging and therapies.
This innovative device features a flexible design with adjustable curvature, addressing critical shortcomings of conventional ultrasound sensors, which often deliver low power output and lack the structural stability necessary for high-resolution imaging.
The team’s findings were published in the journal npj Flexible Electronics and detail the development of a “flex-to-rigid (FTR)” capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT). This sensor can dynamically transition between flexibility and rigidity, thanks to a novel semiconductor wafer process.
Utilizing a low-melting-point alloy (LMPA), the sensor can change its shape when an electric current is applied, melting the metal for free deformation. Once cooled, the structure solidifies, maintaining the desired curvature. This breakthrough enables the sensor to automatically focus ultrasound on specific regions, enhancing its therapeutic potential.
Conventional polymer-membrane-based CMUTs have struggled with low acoustic power and blurry focal points. The new FTR structure combines a rigid silicon substrate with a flexible elastomer bridge, resulting in both high output performance and mechanical flexibility. The embedded LMPA allows for real-time adjustments without the need for additional electronics.
This device can achieve the output levels of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), which gently stimulates tissues for therapeutic effects without damage. Notably, experiments on animal models have shown that noninvasive spleen stimulation can reduce inflammation and improve mobility in arthritis models.
The team plans to expand this technology to a two-dimensional array structure, which could allow simultaneous high-resolution ultrasound imaging and therapeutic applications. This advancement paves the way for a new generation of smart medical systems, with potential applications for wearable and home-use ultrasound systems.
Because the technology aligns with semiconductor fabrication processes, it can be mass-produced, making it accessible for broader use. This innovative approach could significantly enhance patient care and treatment options in various medical fields.
As this technology develops, keep an eye on further updates from KAIST and the research team, including Sang-Mok Lee and Xiaojia Liang, as they continue to lead the charge in wearable medical devices.
This study represents a significant leap forward in medical technology, promising to improve the lives of countless patients worldwide.
