Although brain injury can occur during heart surgery in patients of all ages, the biosensor was developed specifically with young patients in mind. Many children with congenital heart defects require a series of operations throughout their lives, and pediatric cardiologist Dr. Allen D. Everett noticed the neurodevelopment problems that would occur as a result of the repeated surgeries.

To address the issue, he used an organic thin film transistor as the platform for a sensor able to detect glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a biomarker for brain injury. The detector is extremely sensitive to the protein, and can alert the medical team to the occurrence of a stroke, allowing them to take immediate measures. The sensor could also eventually be used at sporting events to detect concussions in athletes.