MSc thesis projects - Biomedical Devices

Here is a list of possible MSc thesis projects related to the theme Biomedical Devices. This is intended just to give an idea, actual projects are usually defined after discussion with the advisor.

Electronic Sweat Analysis System

Sensor system for athlete monitoring

In this program a measurement system is developed consisting of multiple sensor nodes, neatly embedded in clothing, to measure athlete performance and stress indicators. The system should be flexible and re-configurable in the sense that nodes should be easily added and removed from the clothing. This program is performed in close cooperation with multiple sport federations and elite athletes.

Skin/tissue impedance sensor node

Athlete performance is negatively affected by dehydration and low-electrolyte levels. Measuring the impedance of the skin and underlying tissue may provide useful information about the level of hydration and electrolyte level. This project involves the development of such a sensor node that can be included in sports-clothing.

EMG sensor node

Electromyograms, recordings of electrical muscle activity, can be used to monitor fatigue in specific muscles. This project aims to develop an electronic sensor node that can measure, store and analyze these electro-physical signals reliably. Special challenges are miniaturization and reliable skin contact.

Contactless combined energy and data transfer

It should be simple to add and remove sensor nodes without effecting the rest of an athlete monitoring system. The back-bone (interconnect/sensor bus) of the system will be woven into the fabric. Hard-wire galvanic connection to the sensor nodes might be effected and degrade under sweaty conditions. In addition it is not very sufficient to provide each node with its own energy source. Therefore, in this project a non-galvanic coupling method between nodes and backbone is to be developed through which both energy and data can be transferred.

Real-time sweat analysis of Cystic Fibrosis patients

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder affecting mostly the respiratory, digestive and perspiration system. One of the indicators of the disease is an abnormal high level of sodium and chloride ions in sweat. By measuring the chloride or sodium concentration before treatment and after treatment, an indication of the medicines’ effectiveness can be obtained. The current procedure to take samples for lab analysis is quite cumbersome. The goal of this project is to investigate if a (continuous) sweat-conductivity measurement can be an alternative option to measure Na+ concentrations?