Title
Systems in foil: Opening new perspectives in medical technology
Author
Wieringa, F.P.
van Heck, G.T.
Rensing, P.
Koetse, M.M.
Kalisingh, S.S.
Schoo, H.
TNO Industrie en Techniek
Publication year
2008
Abstract
Organic electronic devices produced on foil open promising new perspectives for incorporation in disposable medical devices or sterile packaging materials because they are thin, lightweight and flexible. However, for economical viable applications reliable and cheap large scale production methods are required. Such production technologies (e.g. roll-to-roll manufacturing) are being developed and ruggedized within the Holst Centre (an open innovation institute founded by IMEC and TNO). These technologies form the basis for several strategic programs. As examples of the possibilities with Systems In Foil (SIFs) we discuss 2 ongoing programs: Smart bandage and smart blisters. Smart bandage contains a matrix of organic LEDs (OLEDs) and Organic Photo Diodes (OPDs) allowing spatially resolved photoplethysmographic monitoring of e.g. a wound area, without the need for bandage removal. This is beneficial for monitoring the healing of wounds where unnecessary bandage removal causes much pain and/or damage to the recovering tissue. A smart blister contains an electronic circuit that registers date and time when a blister compartment is opened. It communicates with the outside world via an RFID. Such features enable Real Time Medication Event Monitoring and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis within the pharmaceutical distribution chain, which can help to improve therapy effectiveness, decrease the costs of unused drugs and help prevent drug-counterfeiting. It can be expected that cheap organic circuits printed on flexible foil will open similar new perspectives for a wide variety of other applications in medicine and pharmacology.
Subject
Machines
Open innovation
Organic electronics
Printed flexible electronics
Sterile foil based electronics
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:ddce1768-965c-4c63-a294-3d98dcd38ec8
TNO identifier
242706
ISBN
9783540892076
ISSN
1680-0737
Source
4th European Conference of the International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering, ECIFMBE 2008, 23-27 November 2008, Antwerp, Belgium, 2292-2295
Document type
conference paper