A research team from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has developed a groundbreaking silicon-based ultrasound patch that addresses environmental concerns without compromising on performance. This innovative device is set to transform medical imaging by eliminating the use of harmful lead-based materials, which have been standard in commercial ultrasound transducers.
Led by Dr. Byung Chul Lee, the team collaborated with experts from KAIST, Seoul National University Hospital, and Stanford University. The project aims to provide a safer and more efficient alternative for various medical applications, including diagnostics and rehabilitation monitoring.
The new ultrasound patch is remarkably thin, measuring only a few hundred micrometers. Utilizing advanced semiconductor technology, the researchers created a nanocolumn structure that maintains stable performance while achieving flexibility. By removing the matching and backing layers integral to traditional transducers, the device delivers superior output and image quality.
In comparative tests, the silicon patch demonstrated over 30% higher output pressure than current commercial devices, resulting in significantly enhanced image quality. Its ability to accurately measure blood flow velocity and vessel diameter in challenging areas, such as the neck, highlights its potential for real-world applications. Furthermore, it achieved more than 96% accuracy compared to clinical blood pressure monitors, confirming its viability for medical use.
The implications of this technology extend into the realms of telemedicine and personalized healthcare. The silicon-based transducer is not only cost-effective, with production expenses estimated at around 1/20 of traditional lead-based devices, but it also presents a lower environmental burden after disposal. Such characteristics position it as a promising candidate for the rapidly growing market of disposable ultrasound patches.
Both Dr. Lee and Prof. Whal Lee from Seoul National University Hospital emphasized the significance of this advancement. Dr. Lee stated, “This research is highly meaningful in that we successfully developed an ultrasound patch that anyone can use safely by replacing harmful lead with silicon.” Prof. Lee added, “Silicon-based ultrasound devices are flexible and can be manufactured in diverse forms, significantly broadening the range of medical applications for ultrasound imaging.”
The research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea and published in the latest issue of Nature Communications, a leading international journal with an impact factor of 15.7. The team plans to further validate the patch’s safety and reliability across various clinical environments. They envision applications extending to early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, rehabilitation monitoring, and mental health management.
The development of this silicon ultrasound patch signifies a pivotal step towards sustainable and efficient medical imaging solutions, promising to enhance patient care while minimizing environmental impact.
