Mid-infrared Wearable for Non-invasive biomarker monitoring

Introduction

Modern medicine has improved dramatically through a better understanding of what causes a condition or what it is correlated to. However, the healthcare system still follows an episodic (reactive) model, where patients only seek medical advice when there are symptoms. This approach has proven critically insufficient for certain medical conditions.

Background

In this context, one of the main burdens for our socioeconomic system in Europe caused by a single disease is undoubtedly the metabolic syndrome (MbS). MbS is prominently visible in the large and ever-growing number of overweight or obese individuals.

Consequences of Metabolic Syndrome

The true negative dramatic consequences of MbS include:

• Arteriosclerosis
• Myocardial infarction
• Stroke

Several biomarkers such as uric acid, albumin, or ketone bodies correlate with MbS and often indicate different aspects of the metabolic syndrome. The more biomarkers that can be measured and quantified with high accuracy, the easier it becomes to make conclusive decisions on the patient’s status.

Importance of Accurate Measurement

False negatives as well as false positives can be avoided much better with more parameters, provided that each of them is measured individually and directly. This eliminates the need for indirect methods where evaluations are easily overfitted.

Project Overview

We provide an alternative approach for the measurement of biomarkers, using a miniaturized Mid-Infrared spectrometer, a technology that is currently only used in laboratories due to its size and cost.

Project Outcome

The result of the project will be a wearable device designed to detect biomarkers non-invasively and pain-free in the interstitial fluid in the skin.

Consortium and Engagement

For MiWear, we have gathered an impressive consortium that combines expert knowledge in various fields, including:

1. Biomarkers
2. Optical spectroscopy
3. Laser physics
4. Business management
5. Finances
6. The gender dimension of biomarkers

During the project, we will generate opportunities for young researchers and engage with different stakeholders to ensure maximum outreach of our research and development activities.