A Closed-Loop Sense/Assess/Augment Wearable Device for Autonomous Performance Enhancement

This Phase I SBIR research effort will adapt the Cerenkov Multi-Spectral Imaging (CMSI) platform, a compact and ultrafast optical detector technology already demonstrated for real-time spectroscopy and dosimetry in radiotherapy, to the unique requirements of monitoring stress and fatigue biomarkers in a wearable biophotonic device. Feasibility will also be determined for combining this sensor technology with a commercial transdermal drug delivery system which can deliver systemic performance enhancement agents on demand and in a comfortable and minimally invasive manner. A literature search will be completed to determine the appropriate performance biomarkers, while benchtop tests will be conducted to determine which of these molecular biomarkers are most compatible with the biophotonic platform. Chemists, research pharmacists, and experts in iontophoresis will be consulted to determine which existing enhancement agents are compatible with this delivery approach, as well as the fundamental characteristics required of any future drugs that might be developed for this specific purpose. The research will demonstrate that on-skin Raman spectroscopy and iontophoresis technologies can be combined in a closed-loop sense/assess/augment system and establish the foundation for rapid prototyping of such a system in Phase II.