Download CPI and PolyPhotonix develop wearable prototype blanket that uses

Case Study
CPI and PolyPhotonix develop wearable prototype blanket
that uses light to treat skin conditions
Services
• Prototyping, demonstration and scale up
• Materials Investigation
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and
PolyPhotonix have worked together to develop
a wearable electronic blanket that uses printed
lighting to administer a phototherapy for the possible
treatment of a number of skin conditions such as acne,
psoriasis, eczema and jaundice. The blanket could
also be used for wound healing and anti inflammatory
treatments.
The light blanket uses flexible OLED lighting technology
and has been designed to be home based, to deliver
a precise dose of light therapy as part of a continuing
therapy. To be certain of patient compliance, the
treatment schedule and dosage of the light are
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programmable so it can be preset by doctor to not only
optimise treatment but also to allow the treatment
of a number of different conditions. The prototype is
also capable of sensing and logging when the device is
being worn, and records and logs the usage, providing
the opportunity for a next generation healthcare
device that measures disease progression, monitors
infection and can manage dosage.
The prototype was created as part of a twelve month
Innovate UK feasibility study titled ‘BAMBOO’ which
finished in June 2015 and sought to explore the
commercial and medical potential of a light emitting
fabric device for a range of phototherapy treatments.
The commercialisation of such devices will not only
speed up and improve the treatment of a number of
skin conditions but also provides the opportunity to
bring low cost, single use, disposable applications that
are easy and comfortable to use to the mass market.
CPI’s role in the project was to design and print the
sensor circuitry onto fabric and then integrate the
circuit elements with flexible OLEDs to ensure a
working prototype. Polyphotonix, who led the project,
provided specialist expertise in the field of OLED
lighting and medical technology applications.
The prototype also incorporated printed temperature,
capacitive touch and switch sensing on fabric. A
wide range of printable sensors were also evaluated
to determine their potential to monitor disease
progression and the early diagnosis of complications
such as wound infections. A number of fabric materials
were tested and analysed. The fabric used in the
prototype was stretchable and breathable, with the
sensors able to operate when bent around the forearm,
for example. The project also evaluated strain gauge
sensor switching on fabric for possible applications
surrounding energy harvesting and RFID.
Wearable electronics is an exciting area of
“interest
to CPI. The project has developed a working
demonstration device that can be placed on the
forearm or any part of the skin. The prototype
developed includes the printing of electronics
on fabric and opens up a host of opportunities
for further applications in the area of wearable
electronics.
Going forward, future developments will be towards
developing the printing techniques from current
sheet form to that of more production ready roll
to roll manufacturing methods. Work will also be
undertaken to investigate the technology developed
for other high potential applications areas such as
sportswear and safety equipment.
”
PolyPhotonix is a pioneer of wearable
“phototherapy
treatment devices, with the Noctura
400 treatment mask, a treatment for diabetic
retinopathy currently available in the market place.
Through the BAMBOO project, PolyPhotonix has
identified a number of medical conditions that have
published scientific evidence to show that they
respond to certain wavelengths of light. Through
discussions with key clinicians within the NHS ,
PolyPhotonix has identified where there is a clinical
need and has developed proof of concept devices
that will treat a number of conditions. Printed
electronics based sensors within the BAMBOO
proof of concept devices have shown that it is
feasible to produce soft, comfortable and intelligent
treatment devices that will deliver a measured
dosage of phototherapy allowing at home, point of
care, treatments for post natal jaundice, psoriasis,
wound healing etc. Taking patients from a clinical
environment in to home based therapy is key to cost
savings within the NHS and will make treatments
more competitive.
”
- Alex Cole, Chief
Scientific Officer,
PolyPhotonix
- Neil Porter,
Technical Print
Manager, CPI
Early stage wearable items such as bandages or
“phototherapy
blankets are showing great promise
and the medical industry will benefit greatly from
the work carried out by CPI and Polyphotonix. New
generations of wearable and skin-conformal devices
are beginning to materialise that will not only improve
the treatment of skin conditions but also provide the
opportunity to substantially enhance patient comfort
and compliance.
”
- Eddie Iredia
Electronics
Engineer, CPI
View more case studies at:
www.uk-cpi.com/case-studies
Find out how we can help your business:
 +44 (0)1642 455 340
 [email protected]