Recently, Professor Shen Guozhen and his team from the Institute of Flexible Electronic Devices and Intelligent Manufacturing at the School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, have made a notable breakthrough. Their significant study has been published in the esteemed journal Science Advances. This innovative research integrates acid-responsive acoustic hydrogels with wearable flexible ultrasound arrays, enabling wireless, non-invasive, and continuous monitoring of postoperative anastomotic leakage. Moreover, it boasts active sealing capabilities, presenting a groundbreaking solution for post-gastric surgery management. The hydrogel featured in the study is a composite of gelatin methacrylate, sodium alginate, and calcium carbonate nanoparticles. It can swiftly respond in the event of gastric acid leakage, forming a denser sealing layer. Additionally, it indicates the leakage location through acoustic signals. Concurrently, the wearable ultrasound array developed by the team can monitor the extent of leakage in real-time, providing doctors with precise data for better management. This achievement heralds a safer and more effective approach to post-gastric surgery care.
