MICROFLUIDIC WOUND MONITORING PATCH

Abstract

Abstract The present invention discloses a Microfluidic Wound Monitoring Patch for remote health management, offering real-time, continuous monitoring of wound healing through advanced microfluidic technology and multi-biomarker analysis. The patch integrates sensors to detect critical parameters in the wound exudate. Data is processed by an onboard microcontroller and transmitted wirelessly to healthcare providers, enabling remote monitoring and timely interventions. The patch includes an automated alert feature that notifies healthcare professionals of abnormal wound conditions. The patch’s energy-efficient power supply ensures long-term operation, making it ideal for chronic wound management in home and hospital settings. The invention, enhances telemedicine applications, improves wound care management, and reduces the need for frequent in-person consultations by integrating with hospital information systems for real-time analytics and data-driven decision making.

Specification

Description:MICROFLUIDIC WOUND MONITORING PATCH

Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the wound monitoring patch. More particularly, a microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management.

Background of the Invention
Wound care often is labor intensive, requiring frequent attention by skilled professionals. Aging populations will increase the need for wound care. The cost of wound healing is a major concern of healthcare providers worldwide. Current approaches to treatment of wounds include improved dressings, often designed to control humidity, to keep out bacteria, and to apply antimicrobial agents and growth factors. The progress of wound healing is typically monitored by techniques such as measuring the wound diameter, color, wound depth, qualitative visual assessment and more intrusive probing to determine additional co-morbidities that may prevent the wound from healing.
1. Cheng, S., Gu, Z., Zhou, L., Hao, M., An, H., Song, K., Wu, X., Zhang, K., Zhao, Z., Dong, Y. and Wen, Y., 2021. Recent progress in intelligent wearable sensors for health monitoring and wound healing based on biofluids. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 9, p.765987.
2. Chen, S., Qiao, Z., Niu, Y., Yeo, J.C., Liu, Y., Qi, J., Fan, S., Liu, X., Lee, J.Y. and Lim, C.T., 2023. Wearable flexible microfluidic sensing technologies. Nature Reviews Bioengineering, 1(12), pp.950-971.
3. Apoorva, S., Nguyen, N.T. and Rajan, S.K., 2024. Recent developments and future perspectives of microfluidics and smart technologies in wearable devices. Lab on a Chip.
4. Zahed, M.A., Kim, D.K., Jeong, S.H., Selim Reza, M., Sharifuzzaman, M., Pradhan, G.B., Song, H., Asaduzzaman, M. and Park, J.Y., 2023. Microfluidic-integrated multimodal wearable hybrid patch for wireless and continuous physiological monitoring. ACS sensors, 8(8), pp.2960-2974.
Drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above: The referenced papers exhibit several key limitations in relation to wound-specific monitoring. Most focus on general health or physiological monitoring, with insufficient attention to the specific requirements of wound healing, such as the need for sensors that analyze wound exudate. Additionally, these technologies often lack comprehensive systems for realtime data transmission and remote monitoring, a critical aspect for effective wound management. The devices also face challenges in terms of flexibility and durability, making them less suitable for dynamic wound environments. While these papers discuss multimodal sensing, they often fail to provide a full range of wound-specific parameters, such as pH, moisture, and infection risk. These drawbacks highlight the need for a more tailored solution.
Apart from these there are certain Patent Applications such as CN109698015A, titled as Classification information processing method is hurt in the classification of inspection wound and wounded's movement system and inspection based on RFID;
US10702153B2, titled as Wound dressing with reusable electronics for wireless monitoring;
CN105232229B, titled as A kind of intelligent radio sensing dressing that can monitor wound healing in real time;
US20200188180A1, titled as Wound covering for wound monitoring and therapeutic agent delivery.
All four patents exhibit significant limitations in wound exudate analysis, focusing primarily on basic parameters like temperature and moisture, without integrating microfluidic technology for detailed monitoring of biomarkers such as pH and infection indicators. While wireless communication is mentioned, it lacks the robustness needed for real-time, continuous remote monitoring, which is crucial for effective modern health management. Additionally, the sensor integration in these patents is limited, often excluding key indicators like infection biomarkers, which are vital for comprehensive wound care. Furthermore, the solutions are either short-term or incomplete, concentrating on wound monitoring or therapeutic agent delivery, but failing to provide a fully integrated system that combines detailed exudate analysis with continuous treatment and real-time feedback mechanisms. The fourth patent, which focuses on RFID technology for tracking and monitoring wound inspection and movement of individuals, does not provide continuous real-time assessment of wound conditions, further limiting its applicability in advanced wound care scenarios.
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior arts by providing a patch that integrates microfluidic technology that enables detailed, real-time analysis of wound exudate, offering insights into critical biomarkers such as pH, infection indicators, and glucose levels. This ensures a more precise and comprehensive understanding of wound healing status.

Objectives of the Invention
The prime objective of the present invention is to provide a microfluidic wound monitoring patch.
Another object of this invention is to provide the microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management.
Another object of this invention is to provide the microfluidic wound monitoring patch that enable comprehensive analysis of critical biomarkers such as pH, infection indicators, and glucose levels for better wound healing insights.
Another object of this invention is to provide the microfluidic wound monitoring patch that facilitate wireless data transmission for healthcare providers to remotely monitor wound healing progress and intervene when necessary.
Another object of this invention is to provide the microfluidic wound monitoring patch that detect multiple wound biomarkers beyond basic parameters, offering a deeper understanding of the wound environment.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide the microfluidic wound monitoring patch that integrate real-time wound data and analytics into hospital information systems to improve patient monitoring and clinical decision-making.
Still yet another object of this invention is to provide the microfluidic wound monitoring patch that enable remote, data-driven wound management, reducing the need for in-person visits and optimizing healthcare resource allocation.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and descriptions herein. Every object of the invention is attained by at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention
In one of the aspects of the invention, it provides a microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management where the invention integrates microfluidic systems and a wide range of sensors to continuously analyze wound exudate in real-time, by detecting key biomarkers such as pH, infection indicators, and glucose levels, the patch provides a comprehensive understanding of the wound's healing status, allowing for more precise medical interventions.
In one of the aspects of the present invention, the patch has a feature of real-time wireless data transmission, where the patch continuously sends wound data to healthcare providers, enabling remote monitoring and timely intervention, this feature supports telemedicine applications by minimizing the need for in-person visits, making the device highly suitable for home care and long-term patient monitoring.
In one of the aspects, in the present invention, the patch includes an advanced data management system that seamlessly connects with hospital information systems, ensuring that healthcare providers have immediate access to real-time wound healing analytics, facilitating more informed decision-making and improving patient outcomes.
Brief Description of Drawings
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further objectives and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates the process flow diagram according to preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates the flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to".
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The present invention discloses a microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management that functions by integrating microfluidic technology, multi-biomarker sensors, real-time data transmission, and advanced data processing. The patch is designed to continuously monitor the wound healing process by collecting and analyzing exudate and transmitting real-time data to healthcare providers.
In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to like numerals refer to like features of the invention.
According to preferred embodiment of the invention, referring to Figure 1, the microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management comprises of Patch, Sensors, Microfluidic Channels, Data Processing Unit, Wireless Communication Module, Power Supply, Alerts and Notification System, Data Integration and Analysis System.
a. The Patch comprises of sub parts Flexible Substrate and Adhesive Layer where the Flexible Substrate allows the patch to conform to the wound area, and Adhesive Layer ensures that the patch stays attached to the wound.
b. The sensors comprise of sub parts:
• pH Sensor: Monitors the acidity of the wound environment.
• Glucose Sensor: Measures glucose levels in wound exudate.
• Infection Markers Sensor: Detects signs of infection by analysing biomarkers.
• Moisture Sensor: Monitors the hydration level of the wound.
• Temperature Sensor: Tracks wound temperature for infection or inflammation detection.
c. The Microfluidic Channels comprises of sub parts:
• Exudate Collection Channels: Collect and direct wound exudate to sensor areas.
• Flow Control System: Regulates the movement of exudate through the patch for precise sensor readings.
d. The Data Processing Unit comprises of sub parts:
• Microcontroller: Manages data from sensors and prepares it for transmission.
• Local Memory: Temporarily stores sensor data before transmission.
e. The Wireless Communication Module comprises of sub parts: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Chip that transmits collected data wirelessly and Antenna, facilitates effective wireless communication.
f. The Power Supply comprises of sub parts: Battery that powers the patch components. And Energy Harvesting Unit is an optional unit for collecting energy from the environment (e.g., body heat or movement).
g. The Alerts and Notification System comprises of sub parts: LED Indicator (Optional) that provides visual alerts for the patient. And an Integrated Healthcare Notification System that sends automated alerts to healthcare providers.
h. The Data Integration and Analysis System comprises of sub parts: Cloud-based Database to stores and processes data for healthcare provider access. And Wound Analytics Algorithm for assessing healing progress and triggers alerts based on the sensor data.
According to another embodiment of the invention, referring to Figure 2, the microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management works in the following steps:
• Initially apply the patch over the wound;
• Real-Time Wound Exudate Monitoring;
• Wireless Data Transmission and Remote Monitoring;
• Automated Alerts and Healthcare Integration;
• Energy Efficiency and Prolonged Operation through continuous monitoring and feedback loop;
According to another embodiment of the invention the microfluidic wound monitoring patch performs the real-time wound exudate monitoring in the following manner: the patch collects wound exudate through integrated microfluidic channels, which guide the exudate to embedded sensors. These sensors measure critical biomarkers such as pH, glucose levels, infection markers, and temperature. The microfluidic design ensures that small quantities of exudate are accurately and efficiently transported to the sensors, providing real-time data on the wound's condition.
According to another embodiment of the invention the microfluidic wound monitoring patch performs the wireless data transmission and remote monitoring when the patch is equipped with a wireless communication module (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). After the exudate data is processed by the microcontroller, it is transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone, tablet, or hospital system. This enables remote monitoring by healthcare providers, who can receive real-time data on the patient's wound condition. This embodiment is particularly useful for telemedicine, allowing healthcare providers to track healing progress without requiring frequent in-person visits.
According to another embodiment of the invention the microfluidic wound monitoring patch performs the automated alerts and healthcare integration when the processed data is analyzed against predefined thresholds for various biomarkers (e.g., signs of infection, abnormal pH). If abnormal readings are detected, the patch triggers automated alerts that notify healthcare providers. Additionally, the data is seamlessly integrated into hospital information systems, allowing for comprehensive wound analytics and data-driven decision-making.
According to another embodiment of the invention the microfluidic wound monitoring patch performs the energy efficiency and prolonged operation by incorporating an energy-efficient power system, which may include a battery or energy harvesting unit. The power supply ensures continuous operation of the patch for extended periods, making it suitable for chronic wound management. The patch's low power consumption and self-sufficient energy options make it ideal for long-term use in both hospital and home settings.
According to another embodiment of the invention, one probable industrial use of the Microfluidic Wound Monitoring Patch for Remote Health Management is in the healthcare and telemedicine industry, specifically for chronic wound management in patients suffering from conditions like diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, and post-surgical wounds.
In this application, the patch enables continuous, real-time monitoring of wound healing progress. It allows healthcare providers to track key biomarkers such as pH, glucose levels, infection markers, and moisture content remotely. By transmitting this data wirelessly to hospital systems or mobile devices, healthcare professionals can ensure timely interventions, reduce the frequency of hospital visits, and improve patient outcomes. This technology can be widely deployed in home healthcare services for elderly or immobile patients, minimizing the need for in-person monitoring while ensuring high- quality, data-driven wound care. It also finds applications in hospital wound care departments, where monitoring large numbers of patients efficiently and remotely improves resource allocation and care quality.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the Microfluidic Wound Monitoring Patch for Remote Health Management has following advantages over the prior arts
• Integration of microfluidic channels for real-time exudate collection and analysis;
• Real-time wireless data transmission via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing continuous remote monitoring;
• Advanced sensor integration surpasses prior art, offering a broader range of wound health monitoring beyond basic parameters like temperature and moisture;
• Automated alert system, which triggers notifications based on abnormal wound conditions, ensures timely intervention by healthcare providers, a feature lacking in most current solutions;
• Seamlessly integrate with hospital information systems for real-time wound analytics streamlines patient management and improves healthcare efficiency;
• Energy-efficient power supply-either battery or energy harvesting-enables continuous, long-term operation, while the embedded data processing unit(microcontroller) processes and transmits data in real-time.
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will at once be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention includes advantages and features over and beyond the specific illustrated construction. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited solely by the scope of the hereinafter appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification, when interpreted in light of the relevant prior art.
, Claims:We Claim;
1. A microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management comprises of a Patch, a Sensor, a Microfluidic Channels, a Data Processing Unit, a Wireless Communication Module, a Power Supply, an Alerts and Notification System, a Data Integration and Analysis System wherein,
i. The Patch comprises of a Flexible Substrate allowing the patch to conform to the wound area, and an adhesive Layer ensuring that the patch stays attached to the wound;
j. The sensors are selected from the group of pH Sensor, Glucose Sensor, Infection Markers Sensor, Moisture Sensor and Temperature Sensor:
k. The Microfluidic Channels comprises of exudate collection channels to collect and direct wound exudate to sensor areas and a flow control system, regulates the movement of exudate through the patch for precise sensor readings;
l. The Data Processing Unit comprises of: a Microcontroller that manages data from sensors and prepares it for transmission, ana a Local Memory that temporarily stores sensor data before transmission;
m. The Wireless Communication Module has Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Chip that transmits collected data wirelessly and an antenna that facilitates effective wireless communication;
n. The Power Supply comprises of a battery that powers the patch components, and an energy harvesting unit for collecting energy from the environment;
o. The Alerts and Notification System comprises of: a LED Indicator for visual alerts for the patient; an Integrated Healthcare Notification System that sends automated alerts to healthcare providers;
p. The Data Integration and Analysis System comprises of Cloud-based Database to stores and processes data for healthcare provider access, a wound analytics algorithm for assessing healing progress and triggers alerts based on the sensor data.
2. The microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management as claimed in claim 1, wherein the patch works in the following steps:
• Initially apply the patch over the wound;
• Real-Time Wound Exudate Monitoring;
• Wireless Data Transmission and Remote Monitoring;
• Automated Alerts and Healthcare Integration;
• Energy Efficiency and Prolonged Operation through continuous monitoring and feedback loop;
3. The microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management as claimed in claim 1, wherein the patch performs the real-time wound exudate monitoring in the following manner:
• the patch collects wound exudate through integrated microfluidic channels, which guide the exudate to embedded sensors;
• These sensors measure critical biomarkers;
• The microfluidic design ensures that small quantities of exudate are transported to the sensors, providing real-time data on the wound's condition.
4. The microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management as claimed in claim 1, wherein the patch performs the wireless data transmission and remote monitoring in the following manner:
• the patch is equipped with a wireless communication module;
• thereafter the exudate data is processed by the microcontroller, it is transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone, tablet, or hospital system;
• This enables remote monitoring by healthcare providers, receiving real-time data on the patient's wound condition.
5. The microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management as claimed in claim 1, wherein the patch performs the automated alerts and healthcare integration when the processed data is analysed against predefined thresholds for various biomarkers; if abnormal readings are detected, the patch triggers automated alerts that notify healthcare providers.
6. The microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management as claimed in claim 1, wherein the patch performs the energy efficiency and prolonged operation by incorporating an energy-efficient power system, ensuring continuous operation of the patch for extended periods, making it suitable for chronic wound management.
7. The microfluidic wound monitoring patch for remote health management as claimed in claim 1, wherein the patch's low power consumption and self-sufficient energy options make it ideal for long-term use in both hospital and home settings.

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