Bio-monitoring approaches that identify the synergy among electrophysiological, biochemical, and mechanical markers have been proposed as disruptive technologies for next generation solutions to cardiovascular disease; moreover, implanted sensors can provide seamless monitoring of critical agents within the body, but their power requirements are extremely stringent. In such scenarios, energy harvesting has the potential of providing disruptive solutions.

This study, in conjunction with the NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Centre (NERC) for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST) and the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) at Queens University Belfast will focus on the development and analysis of two key externally powered technologies, representing solutions to significant clinical challenges in cardiovascular medicine. Objective 1 will focus on the development of a chronic external ultrasound-powered device for the treatment and monitoring of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Objective 2 will focus on the development of a bioresorbable tissue engineered patch for the treatment and monitoring ofcardiac infarction. Coupled with this, it is critical that the biological response to implantable biosensors, and energy harvesting devices is understood to inform implant design and to facilitate chronic functionality in situ. To this end, the role of external inductive and ultrasound powering on tissue function will be assessed with each technology.