Researchers from Pennsylvania State University, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Xiamen University and Beihang University have developed a wearable heath device that can simultaneously monitor mouth and eye diseases and administer medicines for treating such diseases.

Located near the mouth or around tear ducts, nano sensors could collect biofluids such as saliva or tears for rapid and continuous analysis.

Once captured and analyzed, data obtained from the biofluid samples could be accessible via smart phone or sent directly to the patient’s physician.

Additionally, the sensor could also feature a microneedle, administering medications for diseases such as oral cancer, oral ulcers or oral and eye infections, among others.

"Through nano- to micro-steel ports on the device, we can probe the cell to deliver molecular drugs for treatment in a very efficient process at the cellular level," explained Huanyu 'Larry' Cheng, a professor in the Pennsylvania State University Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM). "Conversely, the ports can allow us to get access to the gene and coding information on the cell."

The research team is currently developing prototypes of the device and detail their findings in the journal Microsystems and Nanoengineering.