Research Project: Implantable sensors and ultrasonic data link with triggered bioresorption for next-gen wireless cardiac monitoring
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Contributors
Funders
ID
EC.00159
Authors
Beker, Levent
Faculty Member
Publications
Systematic design and evaluation of aptamers for VEGF and PlGF biomarkers of preeclampsia
(BMC, 2024) Beker, Levent; Cebecioğlu, Rümeysa Emine; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; Yes; College of Engineering; GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening condition for both mother and baby, characterized by hypertension and potential organ damage. Early diagnosis is crucial to mitigate its adverse health effects. Traditional diagnostic methods, which focus on late-manifesting symptoms like hypertension and proteinuria, underscore the need for molecular diagnostic approaches for timely detection. This study successfully designs and evaluates novel aptamers with high specificity and affinity for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), biomarkers closely associated with preeclampsia. Using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and BioLayer Interferometry (BLI), we identified aptamers that demonstrated strong binding affinities, comparable or superior to traditional antibodies. Our findings suggest that these aptamers have the potential to be integrated into cost-effective, point-of-care diagnostic tools, significantly improving early detection and intervention strategies for preeclampsia. The robust performance of these aptamers marks a pivotal step toward the development of more reliable and accessible diagnostic solutions, with implications for better maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Continuous glycemic monitoring enabled by a Wi-Fi energy-harvesting wearable sweat-sensing patch
(Wiley, 2024) Abbasiasl, Taher; Akhtar, Muhammad Junaid; Beker, Levent; İstif, Emin; Jahangiri, Hadi; Mirlou, Fariborz; Çakır, Cengiz; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; KUTTAM (Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine); Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering; Yes; College of Engineering; GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING; Research Center
Continuous monitoring of multiple physiological parameters, such as glucose levels, temperature, and heart rate variability (HRV) is crucial for effective diabetes management and mitigating the risks associated with hypoglycemic events. These events often occur without apparent symptoms, posing a challenge for diabetic patients in managing their condition. Therefore, a non-invasive wearable device capable of continuously measuring multiple body signals to predict hypoglycemic events would be highly beneficial. In this study, a wearable patch that continuously measures glucose, temperature, and HRV is presented. The device uses a novel power harvesting system to convert radiofrequency (RF) signals with the frequency of 2.45 GHz to direct current (DC) signals to extend the battery life for further continuous monitoring. The patch is small and has a conformal structure that can easily fit onto different body parts. The screen-printed glucose sensor demonstrates a sensitivity of 10.3 nA cm-2 mu M-1, a limit of detection (LOD) of 8.9 mu M, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 27 mu M. The device employs a photoplethysmography (PPG) module with a peak-finding algorithm to calculate the HRV values. In vivo experiments demonstrate the validation of the device's proper operation in glucose, HRV, and temperature measurement. This study introduces a wearable patch for diabetes management, employing a unique Wi-Fi energy harvesting system for extended battery life. The device's conformal structure enables effortless placement on the body, providing continuous monitoring of glucose, HRV, and temperature. The platform presents a non-invasive physiological monitoring approach that enhances diabetes care by offering real-time data in a compact and efficient design.
Passive ultrasonic communication link for deep-tissue sensor implants
(Cell Press, 2025) Beker, Levent; Yener, Umut Can; Toymus, Alp Timucin; Esat, Kivanc; Alem, Mehdi; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Yes; College of Engineering
Wireless communication is critical for non-invasive in situ monitoring of vital signs in deep tissues. Electromagnetic-wave-based communication methods suffer from high attenuation and limited penetration in biological tissues. Wireless ultrasonic links can solve these shortcomings but typically require highly customized and complex designs for the implant electronics or rely on physical changes in implanted metamaterials. Here, we report a wireless, passive, frequency-based, and electronics-free ultrasonic communication method for deep-tissue sensor implants. The device consists of a piezoelectric crystal used as the ultrasonic antenna with a simplified design and can be integrated with any capacitive implantable sensor. We demonstrate the applicability of the passive communication method using a commercial pressure sensor at a depth of 5 cm, revealing a sensitivity of 5.83 pF/kPa below 20 kPa. © 2025 The Author(s)
Tunable acoustic layers enable gel-free, conformal wearable ultrasound
(Wiley, 2025) Toymus, Alp Timuçin; Albay, Maide Miray; Yılgör, Emel; Yılgör, İskender; Beker, Levent; Peker, Süleyman Yasin; Albay, Maide Miray; Toymus, Alp Timuçin; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; Department of Chemistry; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Yes; Peker, Süleyman Yasin; GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING; College of Sciences; College of Engineering
Rigid probes and coupling gels still tether diagnostic ultrasound to the clinic, precluding continuous use on moving, curved, sweating human skin. We report a tunable design platform based on epoxy-polyetheramine composites enabling independently tuned matching and backing layers, spanning ranges of acoustic impedance (2.0-5.4 MRayl), attenuation (12-117 dBcm-1 at 2.25 MHz), and Young's modulus (4-4700 MPa). A gradient-impedance matching layer lifts fractional bandwidth from 15% to 54%, while the visco-elastic backing boosts signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) by 9 dB without sacrificing conformity. In vivo validation through blood pressure measurements demonstrates the efficacy of these tailor-designed transducers in capturing key hemodynamic parameters, enabling continuous cardiovascular monitoring beyond traditional clinical settings. This versatile platform translates polymer network chemistry into a design process, offering a general path to gel-free wearable ultrasound and, more broadly, to on-skin acoustic, photo-acoustic, and therapeutic devices.
Miniaturized wireless sensor enables real-time monitoring of food spoilage
(Nature Portfolio, 2023) Mirzajani, Hadi; İstif, Emin; Mirlou, Fariborz; Yılgör, İskender; Beker, Levent; Yılgör, Emel; Dağ, Çağdaş; Çakır, Cengiz; Köydemir, Hatice Ceylan; n2STAR (Koç University Nanofabrication and Nanocharacterization Center for Scientifc and Technological Advanced Research); KUIS AI (Koç University & İş Bank Artificial Intelligence Center); KUTTAM (Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine); Department of Chemistry; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; Yes; College of Engineering; College of Sciences; GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING; Research Center
Food spoilage results in food waste and food-borne diseases. Yet, standard laboratory tests to determine spoilage (mainly volatile biogenic amines) are not performed regularly by supply chain personnel or end customers. Here we developed a poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)-based, miniature (2 x 2 cm(2)) sensor for on-demand spoilage analysis via mobile phones. To demonstrate a real-life application, the wireless sensor was embedded into packaged chicken and beef; consecutive readings from meat samples using the sensor under various storage conditions enabled the monitoring of spoilage. While samples stored at room temperature showed an almost 700% change in sensor response on the third day, those stored in the freezer resulted in an insignificant change in sensor output. The proposed low-cost, miniature wireless sensor nodes can be integrated into packaged foods, helping consumers and suppliers detect spoilage of protein-rich foods on demand, and ultimately preventing food waste and food-borne diseases. Standard tests to determine food spoilage are costly and time consuming. A poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)-based sensor offers a low-cost alternative that can be linked to mobile phones for real-time spoilage analysis. The device was tested on chicken and beef samples under various storage conditions.
