Photobiomodulation by a new optical fiber device: analysis of the in vitro impact on proliferation/migration of keratinocytes and squamous cell carcinomas cells stressed by X-rays.

Photobiomodulation-based (PBM-based) therapies show promising results in mucositis and dermatitis treatment by stimulating wound healing mechanisms such as cell proliferation and migration. The aim of the present study is to investigate the in vitro effects of CareMin650 on the proliferation and migration of two different types of cells, namely cancer and non-cancer cells, with or without X-ray radiation. Study design used PBM through a combination of 0-3-6 J/cm2 doses-with or without X-ray radiation-on the proliferation and migration capabilities of a keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and a squamous cell carcinoma line (SCC61). PBM is delivered by a new woven optical fiber device, namely CareMin650 prototype (light emission by LEDs (light-emitting diodes), peak at 660 nm, irradiance of 21.6 mW/cm2). The effectiveness of PBM to increase HaCaT proliferation and migration (with or without X-ray radiation) supports the capability of PBM to favor wound healing. It also highlights that PBM does not provide any anti-radiation effect to previously X-rays radiated SCC (p < 0.001). Such data supports the beneficial effect of PBM delivered by an optical fiber device to heal wounds, without promoting cancer development.

Shape-memory anchoring system for bladder sensors.

In this work, we propose the use of shape-memory polymer as an anchoring system for a bladder sensor. The anchoring system was designed from a biomedical biodegradable water-based poly(ester-urethane) produced in an aqueous environment by using isophorone diisocyanate/hydrazine (hard segment) and poly(caprolactone diol)/2,2-bis (hydroxymethyl) propionic acid (soft segment) as the main reagents. Tensile strength and elongation-at-break deterioration upon degradation in synthetic urine were investigated. In-body shape recovery was simulated and measured in synthetic urine. Results indicated that shape recovery can occur at body temperature and expulsion of the sensor by the body along with urine may occur through the combined effect of urine hydrolytic attack and compression exerted by the bladder walls.

In vitro cytotoxicity testing and the application of elastic interconnection technology for short-term implantable electronics.

An electronic device was fabricated consisting of 2 flexible electronic circuit islands, interconnected by a 7 cm long elastic interconnection, which could be elongated for at least 50%. This interconnection was based on gold conductor tracks following a 2-D spring pattern, embedded in a biocompatible silicone elastomer. The complete device was embedded in the same silicone elastomer. An in vitro cytotoxicity extraction test, executed on small test-samples in accordance with the ISO 10 993-1 guidelines, revealed that the applied silicone encapsulation to these samples functioned as a good seal for at least 8 days.

Flexible technologies and smart clothing for citizen medicine, home healthcare, and disease prevention.

Improvement of the quality and efficiency of healthcare in medicine, both at home and in hospital, is becoming more and more important for patients and society at large. As many technologies (micro technologies, telecommunication, low-power design, new textiles, and flexible sensors) are now available, new user-friendly devices can be developed to enhance the comfort and security of the patient. As clothes and textiles are in direct contact with about 90% of the skin surface, smart sensors and smart clothes with noninvasive sensors are an attractive solution for home-based and ambulatory health monitoring. Moreover, wearable devices or smart homes with exosensors are also potential solutions. All these systems can provide a safe and comfortable environment for home healthcare, illness prevention, and citizen medicine.