GownUp

by Tia Ketsan

Data Sharing

GownUp is a customizable hospital gown that will remotely track key patient data by using intradermal nanoparticles. The chemical composition of the gown integrates 3 layers of silver nanoparticles and microneedle facilitated mechanical nanosensors. The silver nanoparticles are sewn into the entirety of the gown to make it antimicrobial. This antimicrobial factor is due to silver’s tendency to react with bacterial cells by degrading their peptidoglycan cell walls and cell lysis, in turn making the bacteria unable to reproduce. In the past, microneedle facilitated proretinal nanoparticle delivery has been used as a method of drug delivery, hence showing that they allow for intradermal transmission. Mechanical nanosensors detect electrochemical and biological changes within the body by targeting specific ligands. Ligands have a tendency to attract analytes and work in tangent with the nanosensors’ sensitivity to the emitted signals. The intradermal qualities of microneedles and mechanical nanosensors will allow healthcare providers to track patient data such as glucose levels, white blood cell counts, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, and respiratory rate. Due to the electrochemical aspect of nanosensors, the gown would also be able to serve as an electrocardiogram (EKG).The microneedle facilitated mechanical nanosensors will be embedded everywhere, with a higher concentration of mechanical nanosensors being placed on the chest and sleeves of the gown. The emphasis on chest and sleeves allow for more precise recordings of vital signs. The physical aspect of the gown is essentially identical to a standard hospital gown, however pediatric patients are able to choose from options such as princesses, cars, Mickey Mouse, etc. The already incorporated nanotechnology records patient data and relays the information to the hospital’s electronic medical records via the GownUp app. The app will be installed on all hospital issued devices and will relay patient data once every hour to the physician and nurse, allowing them to monitor any health fluctuations without disrupting the patient.