Application to measure vitamin D in the body

Published by ed2x on

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The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked discussions about the importance of vitamin D beyond bone health.

The level of this immune component is directly related to the function of the system. Those who need to regulate it in the body typically turn to laboratory-made supplements. But a technique patented by researchers may reduce the need for oral administration.

Professor Petrus Santa Cruz, from the Department of Basic Chemistry at UFPE (Federal University of Pernambuco), created a device that measures vitamin levels in the body by collecting data on an individual's exposure to sunlight and using a cell phone application.

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Petrus's idea came about 20 years ago, when he developed a molecular nanodosimeter – a dosimeter to measure a person's radiation exposure. Ten years later, a printable version to measure the data, thus completing its creation.

In it, an “inkjet” printer can produce a ribbon-shaped molecule that stores the ultraviolet memory that the individual received at a certain time of day or solar time.

The INPI (National Intellectual Property Office) has been analyzing this invention for many years. Recently, an agency registered a patent for a device called “Printable Dosimeter for Ultraviolet Radiation”. This happened during the pandemic, as many people stopped exposing themselves to the sun due to the quarantine.

The researcher believes that in the future after the pandemic, this application should help control vitamin D production.

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How the application works.

The nanodosimeter tape can be worn on clothing, and from that moment on it begins to collect exposure to UV radiation and data. With an application installed on your cell phone, this dose is converted into the amount of vitamin D.

And to perform the calculation, the software has recorded data, such as skin type, age, sex and the type of clothing the person is wearing (to determine the fraction of skin exposed to the sun).

“The individual can then compare the dose of vitamin D produced by their exposure to the Sun during the period and compare it with the dose prescribed by the doctor”, says the researcher.

To prevent skin cancer, it is good to avoid excessive exposure to the Sun.
“The smartphone receives the signal from an active tape reader, which will stop emitting the visual signal (luminescence) after reaching the production of a certain dose of vitamin D”, he adds.

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