Smart Wearable Flex-circuit for Continuous Transdermal Alcohol Monitoring

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Seacoast Science Inc is proposing to develop certify and then commercialize comfort wear non invasive monitors that predict physiological alcohol impairment in humans based on transdermal ethanol measurements Using best practice miniaturization methods we will build the monitors into clothing arm bracelets pendants or decorative accessories Such monitors will have immediate application in the effort to combat alcohol misuse These monitors are based on catalytic alcohol sensors that have proven to be reliable in breathalyzers The work leverages Seacoastandapos s experience in designing alcohol detectors for various applications along with work embedding sensors in articles of clothing Impact Alcohol abuse and impairment cause significant damage to lives and property in the US and globally The Centers for Disease Control published a report that alcohol abuse in the United States caused deaths and resulted in $ billion financial cost for The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported fatalities in alcohol involved motor vehicle crashes in Worldwide the World Health Organization reports million deaths every year resulting from alcohol abuse representing of all deaths Overall of the global burden of disease and injury is attributable to alcohol as measured in disability adjusted life years DALYs Alcohol consumption causes death and disability relatively early in life In the age group years approximately of the total deaths ar alcohol attributable PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Alcohol abuse and impairment cause significant damage to lives and property in the US and globally Legal mandates often require repeat alcohol abusers to wear personal alcohol monitors however non compliance is extensive We see an opportunity to miniaturize these sensors and incorporate them into apparel or fashion accessories improve comfort and reduce unsightliness and stigma when use of the monitors is prudent or mandatory