Responsive Skin-Worn Detection-Treatment System

Abstract

An effective response to chemical and biological agents requires rapid detection and efficient decontamination. The faster a threat is decontaminated from the skin, the lesser it will penetrate, and cause damage. Innovative research in skin protection and timely decontamination along with improved understanding of agent-skin interactions are thus paramount. The objective of this collaborative project is to develop, investigate and demonstrate effective and responsive wearable skin-worn ‘sense-act’ systems for fast detection and removal of chemical and biological threats. The new autonomous systems will combine the modalities of diagnostics and responsive therapy, in a feedback-loop approach, to enable timely countermeasure actions. Specifically, this project will pursue the following objectives: First, Skin-based ‘sense-act’ for chemical agents: wearable epidermal sensor will be developed to detect target chemical agents on the skin, and coupled to analyte-responsive charcoal-loaded hydrogel for removal of the chemical agents. Second, skin-based ‘sense-act’ for biological agents: epidermal biosensor will be developed to detect target biological agents on the skin, and coupled to release of therapeutic agents from liposomes that is triggered by the change in the biosensor response. Third, mechanistic studies on the interaction of chemical and biological agents with skin tissues. Study the morphological and pathological response of the skin to the agents and the dermal absorption of such agents.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
May 26, 2016
Source ID
HDTRA11610013

Entities

People

  • Joseph Wang

Organizations

  • Defense Threat Reduction Agency
  • University of California, San Diego

Tags

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - Autonomous System Control
  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Cancer Biotech