Proof of concept studies to validate clinical microsensors for the real-time detection of oxygen and pH

Currently there is no efficient method of continuously measuring oxygen or pH in real-time in hospitals. Existing techniques suffer from slow, indirect recordings and require the undesirable removal of a blood sample from patients. Doctors are extremely interested in measuring both of these parameters since they provide important information about the health of the person. The main advantage of our technology is the continuous real-time measurement that it provides. The sensor platform is based around the principles of Long-Term in Vivo Electrochemistry (LIVE) which allows for the continuous determination of biochemical changes in tissue and other biological media over extended periods. Doctors have expressed their desire to have real-time biochemical monitoring available during procedures and have acknowledged that such technology would greatly improve clinical practice. The initial stage of this project will involve validating both sensors in preclinical models and confirming that they are responding to changes in living tissue. The candidates chosen will have significant experience in surgical procedures and animal welfare. The second part of the project will involve the candidates working under the guidance of a clinical expert in the Galway Clinic or St Vincents Hospital. A proof of concept study will be designed by the team and carried out under the supervision of the doctor. This proof of concept study will confirm that the O and pH sensors can function in humans. These studies are necessary to convince doctors to use the technology in the future and assist in their integration into hospitals.

Award Date

19 June 2014

Award Value

€329,830

Principal Investigator

Professor John Lowry

Host Institution

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Scheme

Health Research Awards