Coupled split square resonator based metamaterial sensor for realtime monitoring of air bubbles in IV channels

Air embolism caused by undetected air bubbles in intravenous (IV) lines poses a critical risk in medical treatments, necessitating accurate and reliable detection systems. This study addresses this challenge by developing a novel metamaterial-based sensor for real-time monitoring of air bubbles in IV channels. The sensor employs a Single Negative Complementary Split Square Resonator (CSSR) coupled with a polymer-based microfluidic channel (PMC) to detect dielectric changes caused by air bubbles in flowing saline. Unlike traditional optical or ultrasonic methods, the proposed sensor offers a compact, cost-effective, and fabrication-friendly solution while maintaining high sensitivity of 78% and precision. Experimental validation demonstrated its capability to detect even small air bubbles, with resonant frequency shifts observed between 6.6 GHz and 6.9 GHz. This innovation provides a robust tool for enhancing patient safety by preventing air embolisms, with potential applications in broader biomedical sensing scenarios. By addressing a critical medical need through advanced metamaterial technology, this work contributes significantly to both healthcare monitoring and sensor design.