Soft, wireless electronics for the thermal characterization of skin and soft tissue

Krishnan, Siddharth

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/105858 Copy

Description

Title

Soft, wireless electronics for the thermal characterization of skin and soft tissue

Author(s)

Krishnan, Siddharth

Issue Date

2019-06-11

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Rogers, John A

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Rogers, John A

Committee Member(s)

• Cahill, David G
• Braun, Paul V
• Leal, Cecilia

Department of Study

Materials Science & Engineerng

Discipline

Materials Science & Engr

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Bioelectronics
• thermal characterization

Abstract

Existing sensors to monitor physical biomarkers in living tissue are rigid, bulky and often require wired electronic connections for power and data transfer. Recent work has established a set of design principles that allow for the integration of traditionally rigid sensing electronics and wiring into form factors that are soft, flexible and stretchable. These sensors offer qualitative improvements in patient comfort and are comparable, if not superior to clinical gold standard technologies. The strong, conformal mechanical coupling between these sensors and underlying living tissue also opens new avenues for unusual sensing modalities with immediate applications in clinical medicine. Devices for the continuous thermal characterization of living tissue represent one such opportunity and the work presented here illustrates a set of materials, mechanics and electronics designs required to realize fully functional sensors for temperature and flow mapping through biological conduits. Advanced powering and data transmission and powering schemes relying on near-field communication and Bluetooth protocols allow the sensors to be continuously worn for extended periods. Measurements of hydration in outer skin layers, cerebrospinal fluid flow through indwelling ventricular shunts and blood flow through peripheral nerve vasculature represent three use cases in dermatology, neurosurgery and neuroscience, respectively. Systematic benchtop and theoretical studies illustrate the high levels of functionality of these devices, and IRB approved studies on over 30 patients and volunteers, along with comparisons to clinical gold standards highlight their potential beyond the laboratory.

Graduation Semester

2019-08

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/105858

Copyright and License Information

Copyright the author, 2019

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