Recent Advances in Transparent Electrodes and Their Multimodal Sensing Applications.

This review examines the recent advancements in transparent electrodes and their crucial role in multimodal sensing technologies. Transparent electrodes, notable for their optical transparency and electrical conductivity, are revolutionizing sensors by enabling the simultaneous detection of diverse physical, chemical, and biological signals. Materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and conductive polymers, which offer a balance between optical transparency, electrical conductivity, and mechanical flexibility, are at the forefront of this development. These electrodes are integral in various applications, from healthcare to solar cell technologies, enhancing sensor performance in complex environments. The paper addresses challenges in applying these electrodes, such as the need for mechanical flexibility, high optoelectronic performance, and biocompatibility. It explores new materials and innovative techniques to overcome these hurdles, aiming to broaden the capabilities of multimodal sensing devices. The review provides a comparative analysis of different transparent electrode materials, discussing their applications and the ongoing development of novel electrode systems for multimodal sensing. This exploration offers insights into future advancements in transparent electrodes, highlighting their transformative potential in bioelectronics and multimodal sensing technologies.

Foldable low-cost point-of-care device for testing blood coagulation using smartphones.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) caused by thrombotic events are a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. The international normalized ratio (INR) is the most widely used measure of coagulation status, and frequent testing is required to adjust blood-thinning drug dosage, requiring hospital visits and experts to perform the test. Here we present a low-cost and portable smartphone-based device for screening INR levels from whole blood samples at the point of care. Our device uses a 3D printed platform and light-emitting diode backlight modules to create a uniform optical environment, and its foldable design allows for easy transport. Our device also features an algorithm that allows users to acquire and process video of sample flow in a microfluidic channel on their smartphone, providing a cost-effective and convenient option for blood coagulation monitoring at the point of care. We tested the performance of our smartphone-based INR device using both commercially available control samples and clinical human blood samples, demonstrating high accuracy and reliability. Our device has the potential to improve patient outcomes by enabling more frequent monitoring and, as appropriate, dosage adjustments of blood-thinning drugs, providing an affordable and portable option for screening INR levels at the point of care.