Flexible Photoacoustic Patch for Deep Tissue Hemoglobin Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring biomolecules in deep tissues are limited by the inability of existing wearable devices to access molecules beneath the skin surface, requiring bulky and expensive equipment or offering shallow penetration, which restricts continuous and long-term health monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and stretchable photoacoustic patch integrating an array of high-power VCSELs and piezoelectric transducers, allowing conformal attachment to the skin for continuous monitoring of biomolecules and core temperature with high spatial resolution and depth penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If MRI or PET is used to detect biomolecules in deep tissues, then detection depth is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two separate components: optical excitation (VCSELs) and acoustic detection (piezoelectric transducers). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and integrated into a wearable form factor, resolving the contradiction between deep tissue detection and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The photoacoustic patch serves multiple functions: it detects hemoglobin concentration, maps blood flow distribution, and monitors core temperature simultaneously. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate MRI or PET scans for different physiological parameters, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining deep tissue detection capability
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging is used to achieve high spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but detection depth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary carrier to transport spatial information from deep tissues to the surface detectors. The piezoelectric transducers detect these acoustic waves generated by optical absorption in deep tissues, enabling high spatial resolution imaging at depths exceeding 2 cm without the shallow penetration limit of direct optical methods
3Length of stationary object
If conventional photoacoustic imaging is used to achieve deep tissue imaging, then detection depth is improved, but portability deteriorates due to bulky equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible VCSEL arrays and thin piezoelectric transducer films that can be conformally attached to the skin surface. This flexible thin-film architecture replaces bulky conventional photoacoustic imaging equipment, enabling portable and wearable deep tissue imaging while maintaining detection depth capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional bulk photoacoustic imaging to a two-dimensional wearable patch format. By distributing multiple VCSELs and transducers across a planar flexible substrate, the system achieves deep tissue imaging capability in a thin, wearable form factor that can be comfortably attached to the body for continuous monitoring
4Ease of operation
If existing soft patches are used for biomolecule sensing, then ease of operation is improved, but detection depth deteriorates to only skin surface level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct optical detection at the skin surface with photoacoustic detection that uses mechanical acoustic waves to carry information from deep tissues. The piezoelectric transducers convert these acoustic waves into electrical signals, enabling deep tissue biomolecule sensing while maintaining the wearable soft patch format that conforms to skin curvature
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables non-invasive, continuous mapping of biomolecules and core temperature in deep tissues with high accuracy and quick response, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by providing a compact, wearable solution for long-term health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Photoacoustic imaging involves shining a laser beam onto tissues. After that, the light energy is absorbed by the biomolecules and converted to mechanical vibration energy, i.e., photoacoustic waves.
Implementation Method 2
The device integrates an array of high-power VCSELs and piezoelectric transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable stretchable and/or flexible imaging device conforms to a shape of a patient surface to which it is attached. The device includes a stretchable and/or flexible encapsulation substrate and superstrate. The substrate is configured to be removably attachable to a patient surface. A stretchable and/or flexible imaging array layer is disposed between the substrate and superstrate and includes at least one ultrasound transducer for receiving ultrasound waves and at least one laser diode for generating pulses of light that cause ultrasonic emission from tissue within a patient. A stretchable and/or flexible electrical interconnect layered structure is disposed between the superstrate and substrate and is operatively coupled to the ultrasound transducer and the laser diode such that the stretchable and/or flexible electrical interconnect layered structure is configured to selectively address the at least one ultrasound transducer and the at least one laser diode.