Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur are working on advanced flexible semiconductor devices for continuous health monitoring and early disease detection. Led by Dr. Akshay Moudgil at the HESTECH Lab, the research focuses on creating soft, flexible semiconductor devices capable of monitoring key physiological signals in real-time. These wearable sensors aim to track parameters like heart rate, muscle activity, body temperature, and skin pressure comfortably for extended periods.
Dr. Moudgil highlighted the importance of accessible continuous health monitoring, emphasizing the need for early detection of health conditions. The team is developing semiconductor devices that can continuously monitor body signals, enabling timely intervention and early detection of potential health issues. A key aspect of the research involves the Organic Electrochemical Transistor (OECT), which allows for both electrical and biochemical sensing in flexible formats, unlike traditional rigid electronics.
The HESTECH Lab is focusing on creating low-power wearable sensors using hybrid semiconductor materials that are biocompatible and can be integrated into thin, flexible substrates. These sensors are designed for continuous and non-invasive monitoring, particularly for skin-conformal devices. The team is exploring the potential for a single semiconductor platform to capture both electrical and biochemical signals related to diseases, using OECT technology to build compact, flexible devices for monitoring various health parameters.
The research extends to developing biochemical sensors for early disease screening, capable of detecting relevant biomarkers in biofluids like saliva, serum, and blood. The portable systems being developed could revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics in various healthcare settings. Additionally, the lab is working on wearable sensors for physical health monitoring, including ECG patches for cardiac assessment, EMG sensors for muscle activity tracking, and pressure and temperature sensors for early detection of pressure ulcers in at-risk individuals.
