Researchers from Northwestern University and Washington University School of Medicine have developed an innovative, biocompatible sticker that enables non-invasive monitoring of organs and tissues using ultrasound. When adhered to an organ, this soft, hydrogel-based sticker changes shape in response to pH variations, alerting clinicians to potential complications, such as anastomotic leaks, which occur when gastrointestinal fluids leak through surgical incisions. These leaks, which can lead to life-threatening infections, have been challenging to detect early, often remaining invisible in standard imaging like CT and MRI scans. Unlike existing methods, the new sticker provides high sensitivity and specificity for detecting leaks through ultrasound visualization of shape changes, allowing early intervention before patients become critically ill.
The sticker, designed to dissolve harmlessly in the body after use, is customizable for various organs like the stomach, small intestine, and pancreas, where leak risks are high. In tests with animal models, the sticker reliably detected changes up to 10 centimeters deep within tissue and responded to pH variations within minutes. The device is embedded with tiny metal disks that respond to pH by either contracting or expanding, creating strong ultrasound contrast.
This development could transform postoperative monitoring by enabling clinicians to catch complications 24-48 hours earlier than current methods, reducing patient recovery time and healthcare costs. Researchers also envision this technology adapting to detect other clinical indicators, such as temperature and internal bleeding, by using similar responsive hydrogels. As bioelectronics expert John Rogers and his team work on expanding these capabilities, the sticker’s potential to improve patient quality of life and recovery is highly promising, offering a breakthrough in patient monitoring and preventive care. The study will appear in Science on March 8.
