A groundbreaking development in medical technology has emerged with the creation of a silicon-based ultrasound patch, which aims to enhance performance while prioritizing eco-friendliness. This advancement, led by Dr. Byung Chul Lee and his research team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), represents a significant shift away from conventional lead-based ultrasound devices that pose risks to both human health and the environment.
Traditionally, many commercial ultrasound devices have relied on lead (Pb)-based piezoelectric ceramics, which complicate the balance between effective performance and safety. The newly developed silicon patch not only eliminates lead but also surpasses the performance of existing high-cost transducers. The research team collaborated with prominent experts, including Prof. Jae-Woong Jeong from KAIST, Prof. Whal Lee from Seoul National University Hospital, and Prof. Pierre T. Khuri-Yakub from Stanford University.
The innovative patch is remarkably thin, measuring only a few hundred micrometers, achieved through advanced semiconductor technology that processes silicon into a nanocolumn structure. By omitting the traditional matching and backing layers found in standard ultrasound transducers, the device maintains stable performance while offering a flexible and lightweight design.
The silicon ultrasound patch demonstrated impressive results in tests, showing over 30% higher output pressure compared to commercial alternatives, leading to significantly enhanced image quality. Additionally, it reliably measured blood flow velocity and vessel diameter in dynamic areas such as the neck. The patch achieved over 96% accuracy when compared to clinical blood pressure monitors, confirming its potential for various medical applications.
This technology is poised for widespread use in telemedicine and personalized healthcare devices. The production of the silicon-based transducer employs semiconductor processes, which facilitate low-cost, large-scale manufacturing while generating less environmental waste. The estimated production cost is approximately 1/20 that of traditional lead-based devices, making it both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Dr. Byung Chul Lee remarked, “This research is highly meaningful in that we successfully developed an ultrasound patch that anyone can use safely by replacing harmful lead with silicon.” Meanwhile, Prof. Whal Lee highlighted the advantages of silicon-based ultrasound devices, stating, “Compared to piezoelectric transducer-based devices, silicon-based ultrasound devices are flexible and can be manufactured in diverse forms, significantly broadening the range of medical applications for ultrasound imaging.”
Looking ahead, the research team plans to further assess the safety and reliability of the silicon ultrasound patch across various clinical environments. They aim to expand its applications to critical areas, including the early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, rehabilitation monitoring, and mental health management.
This significant research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and various funding programs, and the findings were published in the latest issue of the international journal Nature Communications, known for its high impact factor of 15.7.
KIST, established in 1966 as Korea’s first government-funded research institute, continues to pursue innovative research to address national challenges and contribute to social progress. For further information, KIST invites interest in its ongoing projects and developments through its official website.
