PFI-TT: Proof of concept of a wearable device to monitor safe sun exposure

这一创新技术转化伙伴关系(PFI-TT)项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力是提高人们对过度暴露在阳光下的紫外线(UV)辐射相关风险的认识，并提供一些解决方案，这些风险导致对人类健康的负面影响。开发的这项技术将使用户能够通过开发一种可检测高水平阳光照射的可穿戴传感器来享受户外活动。通过采取预防措施，预计受黑色素瘤或其他与紫外线辐射过度暴露有关的疾病影响的人数将减少，从而减轻医疗保健面临的经济负担。这项研究将不仅应用于医学，还将应用于其他行业，如体育和化妆品。该项目将为教师和学生提供一种将他们的创新技术转化为市场的手段。其他影响是在科学、技术、工程和数学(STEM)领域创造一支知识渊博、富有创造力的劳动力队伍。PI和研究生将获得的体验式学习和创业培训将有助于加深对创新、技术商业化和创业的理解。这将为与具有启动新创业潜力的小企业/行业合作创造机会。拟议的项目将开发一种可穿戴设备的原型，使用户能够监测暴露在阳光下的紫外线辐射，并提供预防信息。据估计，五分之一的美国人会在一生中的某个时候患上皮肤癌，而90%最被广泛诊断的皮肤癌是由于过度暴露在阳光下。很明显，市场上缺乏能够监测紫外线暴露并提醒人们在度假或享受户外活动时使用防护措施的设备。这项拟议技术的智能优点是创造了一种可穿戴设备，使用一种独特的铁电材料作为传感器，对UVA和UVB辐射做出反应。研究目标包括开发基于薄膜的紫外线传感器，测试传感器并与其他组件集成以创建可穿戴设备，创建和实施软件以允许用户输入个人个性化数据并通知风险和保护信息。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Partnership for Innovation - Technology Translation (PFI-TT) project is to create awareness about and provide some solutions to the risks associated with overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiations from sunlight that lead to a negative impact on human health. The technology developed will enable users to enjoy outdoor activities by developing a wearable sensor that detects high levels of exposure to sunlight. By taking preventive measures, the number of people affected by melanoma or other diseases related to over exposure of UV radiation is expected to decrease, thus reducing the financial burden faced with health care. The research will have applications beyond medicine to other industries, such as athletics and cosmetics. The project will provide a means for faculty and students to transition their innovative technologies into the marketplace. Additional impacts are creation of a knowledgeable and creative workforce in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The experiential learning and entrepreneurial training that the PI and graduate students will gain will lead to an enhanced understanding of innovation, technology commercialization, and entrepreneurship. This will create opportunities for collaborating with small businesses/industry with the potential of launching a new startup. The proposed project will develop a prototype of a wearable device which will enable users to monitor exposure to UV radiation when exposed to sunlight and provide prevention messages. It is estimated that one in five Americans will have skin cancer at some point in their life and 90% of the most widely diagnosed skin cancers are from excessive exposure to sunlight. The lack of available gadgets in the market that can keep an eye on UV exposure and remind a person to use protection while vacationing or enjoying outdoor activities is clear. The intellectual merit of the proposed technology is creating a wearable device using a unique ferroelectric material as a sensor that responds to UVA and UVB radiations. The research objectives include developing a thin film-based UV sensor, testing the sensor and integration with other components to create a wearable device, creating and implementing software to allow users to input personal individualized data and notify the risk and protection messages.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.