Biocompatability
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The interface of the sensor node to the human is all important in body sensing networks. The material from which the sensor is made must be capable of performing the sensing robustly while at the same time causing no side effect problems to the human interface (i.e. skin or other surface). Examples of such problems could be itching or rash or possibly even cell tissue damage. Prof. Steffen Leonhardt, Director of the Chair for Medical Information Technology (MEDIT), Helmhotlz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering has stated “Coping with the phase transition between body and electronics (ion vs- electron conduction) by developing non-contact techniques (capacitive, magnetic induction). Secondly, dealing with the boundary layer between body tissue and implants (immune reaction, protein deposition, etc.). The challenges associated here are many and most are yet to be addressed and overcome”.
There is a wide variety of publications that discuss sensor materials and treats due the various chemical/physical processes, however there is not a lot of material that deals explicitly with biocompatibility and presents demonstrable solutions with scaleable robust working prototypes. In the book "Body Sensor Networks" [1] there is an excellent treatment of the issues of biocompatibility of sensors. The key property of biocompatibility is for the surface area to be as large as possible. Fundamental issues such as sensor fouling, sensor adsorption and the use of micro sensor arrays to overcome these effects are discussed. The development of novel electrode made from Boron doped diamond films is also discussed as one promising advance in the area of sensor biocompatibility. Diamond is also attractive from a number of fronts in these applications due to its stability, chemical inertness and low surface oxygen content, but again it is too early to say if this is truly a breakthrough development.
References
- ↑ "Body Sensor Networks" By Guang-Zhong Yang, Magdi Yacoub, Contributor Guang-Zhong Yang, Magdi Yacoub Published by Birkhäuser, 2006 ISBN 1846282721, 9781846282720
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