Exosuits, glucose level-reading plasters and clever cling wrap

by Lester Kok / Illustrations and animation by Vivian Lim

3D-printed boost for limbs

The big idea: Exosuits – think of them as wearable suits powered by robotics – and joint supports are often made of metal and smart motors, much like what you see in sci-fi movies. But what if we could stiffen fabrics and everyday clothing to achieve the same functions?

What’s unique: NTU scientists have developed a flexible fabric by 3D printing small plastic tiles and connecting them with thin metal wires. This fabric can stiffen into a brace on demand. When worn on the elbow, for instance, it reduces the strength needed to hold an object by 40 per cent.

Benefits: Easy to wear and produce with 3D printing, this technology could create customisable casts for joint injuries or be used as support to help the elderly carry heavier loads.

The big idea: For diabetic patients, pricking their fingers to check blood glucose levels is a daily routine. It would be far better if the same outcomes could be achieved painlessly with a smart patch, reducing the need for finger pricks.

What’s unique: Unlike conventional devices that require a blood sample, this plaster-like patch invented at NTU uses tiny microlasers to detect biomarkers such as lactate, glucose and urea from sweat on the skin.

Benefits: No more painful finger pricks – this patch gives an instant glucose reading. When levels spike, the indicator changes colour when read with a device, making it easy for diabetic patients to know exactly when to take insulin.

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Clever cling wrap knows when your food turns bad

The big idea: Expiry dates are just estimates. How can we tell if food has gone bad before it starts to stink?

What’s unique: This biodegradable food wrap not only prevents bacteria from contaminating raw food like prawns and meat but also changes colour when it detects high nitrogen levels emitted by rotting food, serving as a warning.

Benefits: Monitoring food spoilage would be as easy as pie. And you’ll be glad to know that this sustainable alternative to traditional plastic cling wrap helps reduce food waste since it’s made from the seeds of fruits like avocado, jackfruit and durian

 

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This story was published in the Sep-Oct 2024 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.