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Diaper-Embedded Urinary Tract Infection Monitoring Sensor Module Powered by Urine-Activated Batteries
Insights
This study introduces a novel diaper sensor for early urinary tract infection (UTI) detection. The wireless, self-powered device offers a convenient and effective method for monitoring UTI in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Diagnostics
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common but can lead to severe complications, especially in geriatric patients with neurodegenerative diseases and infants.
- Early identification and treatment of UTIs are crucial to prevent serious health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a diaper-embedded, wireless, self-powered sensor module for autonomous and early detection of UTIs.
- To provide a minimally invasive monitoring solution for at-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- The sensor module integrates a paper-based colorimetric nitrite sensor, urine-activated batteries, a boost DC-DC converter, and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) for wireless transmission.
- Pulse width modulation (PWM) is utilized for low-power sensor interfacing.
Main Results:
- The developed sensor module demonstrated superior detection of nitrite, a UTI surrogate, compared to conventional dipstick tests.
- Achieved a sensitivity of 1.35 ms/(mg/L) and a detection limit of 4 mg/L for nitrite.
Conclusions:
- The proposed autonomous sensor module enables early UTI detection with minimal user effort.
- This technology holds significant potential for improving UTI management in vulnerable populations, reducing complications and healthcare burdens.
Abstract:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections in humans. UTI is easily treatable using antibiotics if identified in early stage. However, without early identification and treatment, UTI can be a major source of serious complications in geriatric patients, in particular, those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Also, for infants who have difficulty in describing their symptoms, UTI may lead to serious development of the disease making early identification of UTI crucial. In this paper, we present a diaper-embedded, wireless, self-powered, and autonomous UTI monitoring sensor module that allows an early detection of UTI with minimal effort. The sensor module consists of a paper-based colorimetric nitrite sensor, urine-activated batteries, a boost dc-dc converter, a low-power sensor interface utilizing pulse width modulation, and a Bluetooth low energy module for wireless transmission. Experimental results show a better detection of nitrite, a surrogate of UTI, than that of conventional dipstick testing. The proposed sensor module achieves a sensitivity of 1.35 ms/(mg/L) and a detection limit of 4 mg/L for nitrite.