Implantable hydrogel patch USMP for ultrasound monitoring of gastric leakage tested in rabbits
A fully hydrogel patch with air cells in concentric rings gives a distinct ultrasound signature; its use for up to 7 days was validated in live rabbits.
Researchers reported in Science Advances a fully hydrogel implantable ultrasonic metagel patch (USMP) for direct, real-time monitoring of gastric leakage by ultrasound imaging. Its potential for monitoring up to 7 days after implantation was validated in a live rabbit model science.org
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According to the authors, gastric leakage is a common and life-threatening postoperative complication, and delayed detection often leads to severe abdominal organ damage. Current radiological imaging modalities are limited in timely detection of leakage. The mechanical mismatch and long-term persistence of conventional electronic sensors restrict their implantable use.
The USMP contains a tree-ring air cell array. Densely distributed air cells arranged in concentric rings create a strong back-scattering effect, which produces distinctive and stable ultrasound imaging signatures for rapid and sensitive detection. The air cells are encapsulated within biocompatible, hydrolytically degradable pH-responsive hydrogels, forming a fully hydrogel sensing architecture.
