A new study for the treatment of acne and beyond draws inspiration from the anatomy of male beetles
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousA new study for the treatment of acne and beyond draws inspiration from the anatomy of male beetles
Drawing inspiration from nature, a team of international scientists invented a smart skin care device analyzing the anatomy of the male underwater beetle.
This tool collects and monitors body fluids as it attaches to the surface of the skin, paving the way for more accurate diagnosis and treatment for skin diseases and other conditions such as acne.
A systematic review
Lo study was born because the traditional non-invasive diagnostic devices developed for skin care, according to the team of researchers, have several limitations.
In fact, these devices tend to be less accurate, difficult to use, and require expensive equipment to analyze the results. The chemical adhesives used in the process can also cause skin irritations or sometimes damage, making them difficult to use repeatedly or for a long time. Maintaining adhesion under different conditions, such as a wet or curved skin surface, can also be very challenging.
Thus, drawing inspiration from nature a new method to treat skin problems. Specifically, the male beetles, or Hydaticus pacificus, were analyzed; these are aquatic insects that have developed special sticky hairs, or bristles, to attach themselves to their underwater companions.
The bristles, which are present on the male's front legs, have unique sucker-shaped structures and cavities, which provide a strong attachment to wet and uneven surfaces. Inspired by male underwater beetlesHence, the research team developed a smart device for real-time monitoring of skin health capable of attaching itself to the uneven surface of the epidermis.
How does the device work?
The device works via artificially created suckers. These are micro-sized and capable of collecting and monitoring body fluids as they adhere to the skin.
In addition, a hydrogel has been incorporated which captures fluid within the cup cavities to monitor pH levels. The hydrogel changes color with different levels of acidity. Furthermore, through machine learning techniques, a 'software application capable of automatically quantifying pH levels from the color indicated by pH-sensitive hydrogels.
This device will be applied to custom skin treatment patches, medical adhesive materials and diagnostic technologies.
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Photos: Science Advances
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