Dermally-Implantable Sensors
We are designing and developing biocompatible, color-changing particles that can be injected into the dermis. They respond to changes in chemistry of the interstitial fluid (ISF) within the highly vascularized dermis, which has been shown to track blood chemistry. In this sense, the materials are analogous to tattoo “inks”, but are active rather than passive coloring agents, operating on binding affinity or enzymatic reactions. In contrast to dermapigmentation agents, our particles are luminescent; as such, they present no visible discoloration of skin to the observer, but can be interrogated noninvasively using light. Specialized coatings are being developed to maintain function after implantation.
Schematic of the microparticle sensor concept: implantation, interrogation, and readout.
For more information, see Dr. McShane's chapter on Smart Tattoo Glucose Sensors