Use Case III
Environmentally compatible single-use electronics
In this use case, we will integrate pilots in healthcare areas towards reducing waste, shortening therapy time and improving patient quality of life. The three pilots represent innovative new products for diagnostics purposes also from a technical perspective. In this sector specifically, new sustainable technologies will offer sustainability benefits such as no need for separate dedicated readout device when using already available infrastructure of smartphones. This has all the capabilities to replace bulky and expensive laboratory equipment.
PILOTS
3.1
3.2
3.3
Pilot 3.1
Single-use diagnostic platform
Pilot 3.1a: In-vitro diagnostics
This project aims to deliver a novel solution for home testing of glucose metabolism that is both environmentally superior to the current state-of-the-art and provides an extended view of glucose metabolism. To achieve this, insulin and C-peptide (the main players in hormonal regulation of glucose metabolism) provide a wealth of information. This pilot develops an easy-to-use disposable Point-of-Care (PoC) device linked to a smartphone app to assist in patient monitoring.
Involved Partners: IFAT, CBM, URV, CAN, CSEM, SCR, VTT, TER, STS, MEDUG, TAU, UPM, FHG, CISC
Pilot 3.1b: Smart Skin Patch
This project focuses on defining and developing an innovative multisensing medical wearable device to become a novel non-invasive skin patch for monitoring glucose levels in sweat, enabling prevention, early detection, and management of diabetes treatment.
A novel approach based on capturing and confining sweat in microchannels with integrated microsensors allows continuous measurement of glucose and other critical biomarkers in diabetes patient monitoring.
Involved Partners: IFAT, CBM, URV, CNM, ONALABS, ONA, SIGMA
IMPACT
- Quantitative measurements of multiple analytes
- Increased absolute and relative current measurement sensitivity by >50%
- Reduction of the required energy supply component by >50%
- Duration of analysis ≤ 20 min.
- Reduction in use of plastic materials ≥ 50%
DEMONSTRATORS
Pilot 3.2
Smart hygiene
This pilot involves the integration of a sensor system into an incontinence product, aiming to enhance healthcare quality and reduce costs. The sensor measures temperature, humidity, and enzymes. It comprises wireless connectivity to cloud services via a base station, providing data insights through AI algorithms to users’ smartphones. The system operates with minimal energy consumption, utilizing wireless energy harvesting from external RFID/NFC readers such as smartphones or wearables. Circular economy principles guide material selection, favoring biobased options like cellulose for substrate, metal oxides for detection and ink formulation, and aluminum for the antenna structure. Throughout the development, a strong emphasis is placed on environmental considerations.
Involved Partners:
ESS, GUT, LWSW, TER, UPM, UGOT, RISE, TAU, CSEM, VTT, BEN, IFAG
IMPACT
- A sensor system to indicate when the environment in a diaper starts to deviate from normal/dry so that proactive actions can be taken early to avoid severe skin health issues.
- A sustainable sensor platform for personal hygiene applications detecting ≥ 3 variables
- Materials used in sensor system ≥ 90% sustainable
- Cost increase per hygiene product when sensor integrated < 10%
- Printing and other additive technologies used ≥ 75% of sensor system
DEMONSTRATORS
Pilot 3.3
Smart wound dressing
The pilot project focuses on creating an innovative solution by integrating a sensor label into dressing materials. This label will be used to measure critical wound parameters such as temperature, pH and relevant biomarkers. The aim is to enhance patient comfort while simultaneously reducing healthcare costs. The advances to be achieved go beyond current technology standards and include various elements such as printed sensors, sensor frontend IC, sensor interface IC, printed battery, printed supercapacitor (SC), wearable reader, and packaging. The successful integration of these components will usher in a new era of wound care technology with improved patient experience and cost-efficiency.
Involved Partners:
IFAG, WUR, BSN, EESY, ACC, FHG, TUHH, VULPES, RISE, SCR, GUT, TAU, UGOT, CAN, TNO, SWA, CISC
IMPACT
- Signaling the wound status by collecting and interpreting sensor data
- Sensing elements like temperature, PH and relevant biomarkers
- Continuous capturing of data data from up to 6 sensors
- energy reduction by factor of 100 for remote connection
- failure rate for wedge lifting of the bond pads up to 0% on 2 different surfaces
- 0% failure rate, for 0402 components, < 20% for 0201 components – SMD assembly on stretch
- replacing 50% of currently used materials with more environmental friendly materials
- Fully quantify life cycle environmental impacts in comparison to ‘conventional’ solution demonstrate reduction by at least 50% in relevant impact categories (min: GWP)
- Identify min. 5 environmental “hot spots” in the life cycle of the product via life cycle assessment
- Identify min. 2 alternative eco-design solutions for each hot spot to minimize the environmental footprint
