Recent Innovations in Microstrip Patch Antennas: Biomedical Uses and Wireless Integration

Abstract

Imaging is visualizing internal body structures without physical contact with the skin. Imaging is classified into invasive and non-invasive. Invasive techniques include endoscopy, biopsies, surgeries, etc. Non-invasive methods are introduced to address the challenges associated with invasive techniques. Some of the non-invasive methods are ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), X-rays, PET (positron emission tomography), and so on. Among the non-invasive techniques microstrip patch antenna (MSPA) is the emerging field of research. MSPAs are increasingly used in space applications, wireless communication, the Internet of Things, machine learning, radar, and healthcare. MSPAs are popular in biomedical applications because of their ability to operate at medical frequencies such as the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band, which is preferred because it ensures patient comfort. They are commonly used in telemedicine for remote patient monitoring, enabling real-time monitoring of the patients. MSPAs are also used in tumor detection, where they are integrated with imaging systems to provide high-resolution results that can aid early diagnosis in patients. In addition, MSPAs are also essential for hyperthermia treatment, where they use microwave energy to destroy cancerous tissues. Other therapeutic applications are drug delivery systems, neural signal modulation, and rehabilitation devices. Recent innovations in MSPAs are miniaturization and employing it in wearable design. Recent developments in MSPA design, specifically for biological applications, are examined in this review study. MSPAs are widely used and preferred over other antennas, because of their small size, low cost, affordability, and smooth device interaction. Additionally, the research examines different antenna designs, including antenna shapes, substrate, size, frequency, bandwidth, and so on. This also explores the performance metrics, simulation software used, and the biomedical application of each type of antenna. This report highlights the changing function of MSPAs by summarizing these recent developments and offering suggestions for additional study.