Researchers took a leaf out of nature's book to develop 'eAir' -- a novel pressure sensing technology that promises to transform minimally-invasive surgeries and implantable sensors. This novel invention mirrors the lotus leaf's natural sensitivity to the extremely light touch of a water droplet, to achieve high accuracy and reliability in pressure detection. For example, during a laparoscopic or robotic surgery, graspers enhanced with eAir sensors could provide tactile feedback to help surgeons improve surgical and patient outcomes. eAir may also be used to improve the process of monitoring intracranial pressure -- the pressure within the skull that can influence brain health.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a novel aero-elastic pressure sensor, called 'eAir'. This technology can be applied to minimally-invasive surgeries and implantable sensors by directly addressing the challenges associated with existing pressure sensors.
To address these challenges in pressure sensing, the NUS team drew inspiration from a phenomenon known as the 'lotus leaf effect' -- a unique natural phenomenon where water droplets effortlessly roll off the leaf's surface, made possible by its minuscule, water-repelling structures. Mimicking this effect, the team has engineered a pressure sensor designed to significantly improve the sensing performance.
"Conducting surgeries with graspers presents its unique challenges. Precise control and accurate perception of the forces applied are critical, but traditional tools can sometimes fall short, making surgeons rely heavily on experience, and even intuition. The introduction of soft and readily integrable eAir sensors, however, could be a game-changer," said Assoc Prof Tee, who is also from the NUS Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
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