Gas sensor implant biodegrades inside the body

In a study, the researchers report the design of a flexible gas sensor implant that can monitor various forms of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the body. Monitoring these types of gases is important because they can play a beneficial – but sometimes harmful - role in human health, according to Huanyu "Larry" Cheng from Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics.

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Nitric oxide widens blood vessels to enhance blood flow, allowing oxygen and nutrients to circulate through the body. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide from the environment is linked to the progression of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, said Cheng. Nitric oxide is highly reactive and can be transformed into nitrogen dioxide when exposed to oxygen.

According to Cheng, current devices used outside of the body to monitor gas levels are bulky and potentially not as accurate as implantable devices that could need removal in another surgical procedure.