Flexible Optical Breath Sensing Patch

ongoing

For many years, breath analysis has been vital for clinical diagnosis of different diseases. Conventional respiratory rate monitors, however, provide only limit portability and restricted accuracy due to uncomfortable mounting of the sensors. Meanwhile, innovative healthcare monitoring gadgets emphasizing flexible and ‘imperceptible’ sensors have emerged from the rapid evolution of organic and wearable electronics. In this research project, an ultrathin sticker-type optical detector that can be worn on the chest for breath sensing is proposed. Organic semiconductor materials will be implemented into organic light-emitting and light-sensing devices (OLEDs and OPDs), integrated on ultrathin flexible substrates, and patterned to different arrays. To enable invisible sensing and to improve sensitivity, the sensor will use near-infrared (NIR) light, which provides higher penetration through skin. Narrowband organic semiconductor devices for NIR emission and detection are particularly challenging to achieve and will hence be at the heart of the project. Complementary expertise of host and fellow in OLEDs and OPDs, respectively, will lead to two-way knowledge transfer. OLED development will be further supported by a secondment at Silesian University, where photophysics of suitable NIR emitters will be investigated. Device integration and application for breath monitoring will add interdisciplinary aspects and enable the fellow to explore fields of optoelectronics, materials research, and biomedical engineering. The outlined training in material and device characterization, along with new experience in biomedical research and tailored personal development will enable the candidate to grow and pursue an academic career. Finally, BreathS will advance both OLED and OPD research while at the same time marking a breakthrough for breath monitoring, aligning perfectly with the European Union's global strategy for advancing healthcare.