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Multifunctional Sensors for Renal Denervation Catheter- Collaboration between Kalos Medical and A*STAR (December 2024)

A new medical device can make treating resistant high blood pressure safer and more effective by improving how doctors perform a key surgical procedure. Despite taking multiple medications, their blood pressure remains stubbornly high, raising the risk of serious health issues. In such cases, clinicians turn to interventions like renal denervation (RDN), a minimally invasive procedure that lowers blood pressure by targeting the nerves around the kidneys. Guided by temperature feedback, ablation electrodes disrupt these nerves, effectively reducing signalling and lowering blood pressure. Read the full article here.

 

Wearable Sensor for Skin Tactile Measurements- Collaboration between P&G, A*STAR and NTU (October 2024)

HapSense is a revolutionary wearable sensor designed to accelerate and improve skincare cosmetic product testing. The patent-pending device represents a significant advancement in the field of flexible electronics. Worn on the fingertip, HapSense captures precise real-time skin friction and pressure data, enabling faster and more objective product testing. Read the full article here.

 

Multiplexed Mapping of Protein Interactions for Cancer Diagnostics (September 2024)

The technology, dubbed TETRIS, can explicitly identify and quantify multiple interacting partners in large protein assemblies. By capturing the complex hierarchy of protein interactions within tumour cells, the technology uncovers detailed molecular mechanisms driving disease progression. This enables more precise diagnostics, allowing for the accurate sub-typing of cancers and the identification of aggressive forms of the disease in just a few hours, which was not possible previously. Read the full article here.

 

Stretchable Sensor for Continuous Detection of Biomarkers on Dry Skin (August 2024)

Detecting diseases early requires the rapid, continuous and convenient monitoring of vital biomarkers. Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have developed a novel sensor that enables the continuous, and real-time detection of solid-state epidermal biomarkers (SEB), a new category of health indicators. Read the full article here.

 

Stretchable Microfluidic Devices using Directing Printing of Silicone-based 3D Microchannels (June 2024)

Silicone-based elastomeric 3D microchannel networks were created using direct ink writing 3D printing with simultaneous incorporation of electronic components into the microchannel. By injecting liquid metal into the coil-shaped multilayered microchannel, flexible and stretchable microfluidic antenna coils with a high Q factor were developed. Read the full article here.

 

Bulletin Issue 4 (Feb 24)

 

AI-powered ‘eye’ for Visually Impaired

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore’s School of Computing has developed a wearable assistive device that helps the visually impaired ‘see’ objects around them with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Dubbed AiSee, the device incorporates a micro-camera that captures the user’s field of view. Sophisticated cloud-based AI algorithms then process and analyse captured images to identify objects of interest. AiSee employs a large language model (LLM) capable of engaging in an interactive Q&A exchange with the user about the object. Auditory information is transmitted through bone conduction from the headphone of the device. The team believes that the new device will empower the visually impaired in Singapore to a level unprecedented here. The team is currently in talks with SG Enable to conduct user testing. Read the full article here.

Revolutionizing diabetes care with needle-free solutions

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes often rely on regular insulin injections or insulin pumps to maintain their blood glucose at healthy levels. Dr Dang’s team has developed a novel hydrogel-based device housing insulin-secreting cells that is designed to be implanted under patients’ skin. The implant device senses blood glucose concentrations and secretes the right amount of insulin in response, providing precise glucose regulation without the need for regular injections. Importantly, the implant’s design facilitates optimal cellular oxygen uptake and protects the cells from immune system attacks, both of which are crucial for the implanted cells to survive. The prototype implant has demonstrated efficacy in mouse models of diabetes, and currently the team is developing a prototype for future study in larger animal models and potential human trials.

Responsive drug delivery for arthritis pain relief

Arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness, is a debilitating disease especially prevalent in the elderly. Treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate symptoms and pain. Dr Dang’s team has engineered a novel inflammatory-responsive hydrogel that dispenses a precise dose of anti-inflammatory drugs in the presence of inflammation, allowing for a more targeted and effective treatment for arthritis. Current evaluations are underway in rat models of arthritis.

There is tremendous potential in integrating biology with engineering to address chronic diseases. Dr Dang’s research gained worldwide recognition, such as winning the healthcare category at the 2022 Prototypes for Humanity, placed 2nd at the 2022 China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship competition, and placing 2nd and 3rd respectively, at the 2021 and 2022 Society for Biomaterials Business plan competitions. Accolades aside, Dr Dang’s team is still most excited about the prospect of converting bench innovations to clinical solutions with the ultimate aim of enhancing human health and well-being.

Bulletin Issue 3 (Dec 23)


Microfluidic Method to Optimize Stem Cell Extraction

Researchers from the Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-Medicine (CAMP) Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG) of Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMART), in collaboration with A*STAR Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) and National University Health System (NUHS), has developed a world-first continuous sorting technique on a multi-chip Deterministic Lateral Displacement (DLD) microfluidic platform to extract mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) directly from bone marrow aspirate without dilution. The new method doubles the quantity of MSCs obtained from bone marrow samples and shortens the time taken to around 20 minutes. This advancement represents a significant step toward manufacturing of advanced cell therapies that use MSCs – which can be potential treatments for osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. Read the detailed article here.

FUNction Device Aids Patients with Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy is characterized by progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. With support from a SG Enable grant, a research team led by Prof Lim Chwee Teck from the NUS Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech) has developed an assistive device working prototype to help patients use smartphones and tablets even in advanced stages of the disease. The FUNction device uses a soft, thin and stretchable sensor that allows minute movements and finger forces to be translated to software controls. It is designed to function like a computer mouse with adjustable sensitivity. The team is currently working with patients to test the device and intends to develop exergames to monitor functional strength. Read the article on NUS news.

Bulletin Issue 2 (Sept 23)

Facial Scanning to Diagnose Rare Diseases

Curtin University in Western Australia and local healthcare clusterSingHealthare collaborating a 3D facial analysis software developed by Curtin researchers.Clinifaceis an open-source platform using images captured by commercially available 3D cameras to compare more than 50 different facial measurements to detect facial features that are related to rare diseases. Cliniface is currently deployed as part of a study that aims to analyse features associated with hereditary angioedema (HAE), a genetic disorder that causes severe, episodic swelling of the face and upper torso. As the Cliniface dataset has been built on Caucasian faces, the collaboration here would help provide references for Asian faces. Read more of the exciting collaboration in thisnews article.

Ultrathin Battery for Smart Contact Lenses Chargeable by Saline Solution

Smart contact lenses of the future may be capable of anything from monitoring health to augmented reality. However, to realise this potential, there is a need to develop non-toxic ultra-thin batteries to power the lenses. The group led by A/Prof Lee Seok Woo from NTU’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has developed a biocompatible battery for such purposes. The battery is chargeable in a solution of glucose, sodium and potassium. Furthermore, the battery could be powered by human tears, allowing an additional hour of use for every 12-hour wearing cycle. Read more on NTU news and news article. Also, check out the video on their work here.

Bulletin Issue 1 (Jun 23)

Magnetic therapy promises to reverse age-related conditions and metabolic disorders

An innovative magnetic muscle therapy developed by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS)and commercialized by HealthTEC.SG industry member

QuantumTx has completed a study involving 101 elderly participants. Using very low levels of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF), the participants reported significant improvements in mobility and blood lipid profiles after 8 weeks of treatment.

Read more of the exciting work in this NUS news article.

Stretchable smart knee wearable for monitoring joint movement

Wearables from conductive fabric are soft, malleable and comfortable for long-term monitoring. A team of researchers from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) has created a knee brace with multiple integrated flexible sensors that enables real-time sensing of knee joint motion.

The key advantage of this smart knitted brace is that relying on fewer external components makes it more robust to impact and strains, and less error-prone from displacement of the sensors. Such wearables have many applications in the early diagnosis or monitoring of mobility-related conditions.

Read more on this SUTD research news article.