Innovative Silicon Ultrasound Patch Redefines Medical Imaging Safety

A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking silicon-based ultrasound patch that enhances performance while eliminating the environmental and health risks associated with traditional lead-based devices. This innovative technology, announced on March 15, 2024, by a group led by Dr. Byung Chul Lee from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), marks a significant advancement in the field of medical imaging.

Currently, many wearable ultrasound devices rely on lead (Pb)-based piezoelectric ceramics, which pose risks to human health and the environment. This has created a pressing need for alternative ultrasound transducer technologies that can deliver high performance without the drawbacks of lead. The research team, in collaboration with experts from KAIST, Seoul National University Hospital, and Stanford University, has successfully addressed this challenge.

The newly developed patch is ultrathin, measuring only a few hundred micrometers in thickness. Using semiconductor technology, the researchers processed silicon into a nanocolumn structure, which allowed them to eliminate the matching and backing layers that are typically essential in conventional ultrasound devices. This design innovation results in a flexible and thin patch that maintains stable performance.

In rigorous testing, the silicon patch demonstrated over 30% higher output pressure compared to existing commercial transducers. This translates to significantly improved image quality, enabling reliable measurements of blood flow velocity and vessel diameter in areas such as the neck, which are often highly mobile. Notably, the patch achieved over 96% accuracy when compared to clinical blood pressure monitors, showcasing its potential for various medical applications.

The technology is anticipated to have a substantial impact on fields such as telemedicine and personalized healthcare. With its fabrication process derived from semiconductor techniques, the silicon-based ultrasound transducer can be produced at a fraction of the cost—approximately 1/20 that of conventional lead-based devices. This affordability, combined with a reduced environmental footprint after use, positions the new patch as a frontrunner in the market for disposable ultrasound devices.

Looking ahead, the research team aims to conduct further evaluations of the patch’s safety and reliability in diverse clinical settings. They plan to expand its applications to encompass early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, rehabilitation monitoring, and mental health management.

Dr. Byung Chul Lee emphasized the significance of this research, stating, “This research is highly meaningful in that we successfully developed an ultrasound patch that anyone can use safely by replacing harmful lead with silicon.” Meanwhile, Prof. Whal Lee from Seoul National University Hospital highlighted the flexibility of the silicon-based devices, noting their potential to be manufactured in various forms, thus significantly broadening the range of medical applications for ultrasound imaging.

This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea through KIST’s Major Program, as well as the Korea Medical Device Development Fund. The findings have been published in the latest issue of the esteemed journal Nature Communications, which holds an impact factor of 15.7.

As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, this innovative ultrasound patch represents a promising step towards safer and more effective medical imaging solutions.