Implantable bladder volume sensor based on resistor ladder network composed of conductive hydrogel composite

Chronic monitoring of bladder activity and urine volume is essential for patients suffering from urinary dysfunctions. However, due to the anatomy and dynamics of the bladder, chronic and precise monitoring of bladder activity remains a challenge. Here, we propose a new sensing mechanism that measures the bladder volume using a resistive ladder network with contact switches. Instead of measuring the impedance between the electrode continuously, the proposed sensor provides a digitized output (‘on’ or ‘off’) when the bladder volume reaches a certain threshold value. We present simple proof-of-concept sensors which compare the discrete-mode operation to the continuous-mode operation. In addition, by using multiple pairs of this contact-mode switch in a resistor ladder structure, we demonstrate monitoring of the bladder volume in four discrete steps using an idealized balloon and an ex vivo pig’s bladder. We implemented the resistive ladder network using a conductive polypyrrole/agarose hydrogel composite which exhibits a Young’s modulus comparable to that of the bladder wall. Compared to the continuous-mode operation, the proposed sensing mechanism is less susceptible to drift due to material degradation and environmental factors.

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Clinical use of biocompatible ultrasonic bladder volume sensor

Urology ◽

10.1016/0090-4295(79)90510-7 ◽

1979 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 300-302 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

W.E. Bradley ◽

M.T. Rise ◽

D.L. Frohrib

Keyword(s):

Bladder Volume ◽

Clinical Use ◽

Volume Sensor

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Bioprinting of a Cell-Laden Conductive Hydrogel Composite

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces ◽

10.1021/acsami.9b07353 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (34) ◽

pp. 30518-30533 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Andrew R. Spencer ◽

Ehsan Shirzaei Sani ◽

Jonathan R. Soucy ◽

Carolyn C. Corbet ◽

Asel Primbetova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hydrogel Composite ◽

Conductive Hydrogel ◽

A Cell

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Real-time bladder volume monitoring by the application of a new implantable bladder volume sensor for a small animal model

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.1016/j.kjms.2010.12.006 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 132-137 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Dong Sup Lee ◽

Su Jin Kim ◽

Dong Wan Sohn ◽

Bumkyoo Choi ◽

Moon Kyu Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Animal Model ◽

Real Time ◽

Small Animal ◽

Bladder Volume ◽

Small Animal Model ◽

Volume Sensor

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Functional Analysis of Selected Ion Electrically Conductive Hydrogel: Production and Applications in Seawater Treatment

International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering - 2 ◽

10.35940/ijrte.f8015.038620 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 2872-2878

Keyword(s):

Membrane Filtration ◽

Large Scale ◽

Water Shortage ◽

Hydrogel Composite ◽

Middle East Countries ◽

Conductive Hydrogel ◽

And Performance ◽

Desalination Plants ◽

Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide ◽

Removal And Recovery

Seawater desalination is becoming a crucial intervention for mitigating water shortage in numerous Middle East countries. Desalination technology is associated with various technological challenges that should be resolved to maintain plant sustainability and performance. For instance, seawater hardness is recognized as a challenge for recent large scale desalination plants. Optional technologies including chemical treatment, adsorption and membrane filtration have been developed for hardness removal and recovery of Ca and Mg. This paper addresses the development and application of a new conductive polymeric hydrogel composite exhibiting electrically tunable characteristics. A comprehensive review on the preparation of conductive hydrogel and its application for water treatment is first presented. The newly developed hydrogel composite comprises treated zeolite, polyacrylate, polyaniline, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide and special processing aids. The characteristics of the composite have been determined via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electric conductivity measurements in addition to swelling ratio. Impact of composition and processing conditions on conventional and electrochemically enhanced adsorption experiments have been presented and analyzed. Electro-regeneration has been also explored. The promising features of this hydrogel in composite are elucidated by the removal and recovery of hardness causing elements in simulated seawater and brines. It is concluded that the developed hydrogel is initially qualified for upstream seawater softening. Additional endeavors are still needed for downstream brine management to overcome apparent osmotic effects.

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