Smart Denture with Embedded Thin-Film Temperature Sensors Patterned by Femtosecond Laser Pulse for Elderly Healthcare

Abstract

Aging society is a global challenge, with increasing healthcare demands and associated social costs. Monitoring body temperature is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment of medical conditions, particularly in the elderly. Herein, a smart denture with embedded thin-film temperature sensors designed to monitor the body temperature in real-time is presented, which can be commonly worn by the elderly population for advanced healthcare. This device is realized using polymethyl methacrylate resin plates and dentures, which are routinely employed materials in dentistry for prosthesis fabrication. The thin-film temperature sensor is patterned using femtosecond laser pulses, ensuring high mechanical strength, high lateral resolution, and high-temperature sensitivity (0.26% °C⁻¹). Furthermore, experiments conducted in a virtual intraoral wet environment demonstrate the sensor's capability to accurately measure the small temperature variation of 0.1 °C within a short timeframe. The integration of temperature sensors into dentures holds promise for enhancing patient monitoring and improving overall healthcare outcomes for the elderly population. The versatility of direct laser writing concept with femtosecond lasers will enable the implementation of various sensors, energy storage devices, and circuitries into dentures for advanced smart healthcare.