Smart Floss Developed by Tufts University Monitors Stress Levels While Cleaning Teeth
Flossing is a common practice for maintaining oral health, but researchers at Tufts University have taken it a step further by developing smart floss that not only keeps your teeth and gums clean but also monitors your stress levels.
The smart floss works by using a narrow channel to draw in saliva, which is then passed over electrodes attached to the floss. The saliva is analyzed by a built-in sensor, with readings transmitted to a phone app for easy monitoring.
“We wanted to create a sensing device that becomes part of your daily routine without adding any stress,” explains electrical and computer engineer Sameer Sonkusale. “Since cortisol is a stress marker found in saliva, flossing seemed like a natural fit to take a daily sample.”
Tracking stress levels can be challenging, but the smart floss offers a quicker, more convenient, and easier way to monitor cortisol levels. The prototype device was tested in a lab setting and shows promising potential for future use.
The key to this innovation is a material called eMIP (electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymer) that enables the device to recognize cortisol molecules. This material simplifies the process of developing biosensors and shows high accuracy in detecting cortisol levels.
“eMIP eliminates the need for antibodies or receptors, making it easy to adapt the system to detect other biological markers,” says Sonkusale. This versatility opens up possibilities for monitoring various health conditions beyond stress levels.
Chronic stress can have a significant impact on overall health, increasing the risk of various conditions like cardiovascular disease and mental health issues. While the smart floss is still in the early stages of development, it shows promise in monitoring health conditions over time for timely interventions.
Although the smart floss may not be suitable for diagnosing conditions, it can be a valuable tool for tracking health markers and ensuring timely interventions when needed. The research on this innovative device has been published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
