Nature-inspired sensors

The unique physical shading pattern of Rayleigh scattering for the generally improved detection of scattering particles

A facile physical shading method, based on the Rayleigh scattering pattern, exhibited excellent performance detection because of its reduced background noise.

Butterfly wing architectures inspire sensor and energy applications

Natural biological systems are constantly developing efficient mechanisms to counter adverse effects of increasing human population and depleting energy resources. Their intelligent mechanisms are characterized by the ability to detect changes in the environment, store and evaluate information, and respond to external stimuli. Bio-inspired replication into man-made functional materials guarantees enhancement of characteristics and performance. Specifically, butterfly architectures have inspired the fabrication of sensor and energy materials by replicating their unique micro/nanostructures, light-trapping mechanisms and selective responses to external stimuli. These bio-inspired sensor and energy materials have shown improved performance in harnessing renewable energy, environmental remediation and health monitoring. Therefore, this review highlights recent progress reported on the classification of butterfly wing scale architectures and explores several bio-inspired sensor and energy applications.

Conceptual design considerations for a wireless intraocular pressure sensor system for effective glaucoma management

As a leading form of preventable visual impairment, it is imperative to assess glaucoma treatment as a function of intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP can spike throughout the day. This necessitates a device that can (1) monitor IOP outside of clinical visits by providing a memory when IOP exceeds a set threshold indicating the possibility for glaucomatous damage to occur; and (2) accurately assess IOP. Both requirements point ultimately towards the development of an implantable device. The Wireless Intraocular Pressure Sensor System (WIPSS) devised by our team uses optical technologies and may assist an overseeing clinician with assessing glaucoma treatment efficacy and avoiding irreversible glaucomatous visual field loss downstream.