Nanosensor technologies and the digital transformation of healthcare

Plain language summary - Nanosensor technologies and the digital transformation of healthcareThe convergence of biomedical engineering and technological innovation in our dynamic digital era has produced innovative devices that allow easy, accurate characterization of physiological parameters. The miniaturization of diagnostic instruments able to perform continuous monitoring of vital signs, ECG and biomarkers has resulted in the emergence of digital health technologies including smartphone-connected devices, wearable and wireless technologies, lab-on-a-chip sensors and handheld imaging devices. It has also led to novel nanosensors - nanoscale devices that measure physical attributes and convert these signals into analyzable information. Such sensors span electrochemical, electromagnetic, piezoelectric and mechanoacoustic detection, resulting in increased enthusiasm for their application for cost-effective, real-time, continuous patient monitoring. Given the impending reality of nanosensors in clinical practice, here we confront important questions regarding the evidence supporting widespread device use, highlight current literature around nanosensors and aim to provide a framework for these advancements by considering the various device, patient and clinical factors relating to nanosensors - from the technical and biomedical engineering principles to validation approaches for new sensors and how continuous waveform data is transformed for analysis at the individual level. Our objectives are to demonstrate the value and implications for new nanosensors as they relate to the next phase of remote patient monitoring and to apply lessons learned from digital health devices through real-world evidence and examples. Nanosensors are nanoscale devices that measure physical attributes and convert these signals into analyzable information. In preparation, for the impending reality of nanosensors in clinical practice, we confront important questions regarding the evidence supporting widespread device use. Our objectives are to demonstrate the value and implications for new nanosensors as they relate to the next phase of remote patient monitoring and to apply lessons learned from digital health devices through real-world examples.