Iridium-Oxide Based Sensor for Blood pH/pCO2 Monitoring

描述(由申请人提供)： 动脉血气测量是危重病人最常进行的检测之一。血气浓度(如二氧化碳分压)的测定是通过使用台式分析仪的间歇采样和分析进行的。然而，在采集血样几分钟后才能得出结果，这些延迟的数据可能不能反映患者的实际情况。持续的血气测定将允许立即检测ICU患者、急性呼吸系统疾病患者和正在接受大手术(如搭桥手术)的患者的状态变化。到目前为止，缺乏可靠和廉价的微型传感器一直是阻碍连续活体气体测定仪广泛使用的关键因素。我们设计了一种新的方法，使用了基于新的熔融碳酸Ir氧化物(IrOx)沉积工艺的pH传感器使能技术。这项技术将允许微型传感器的商业化产品，用于连续监测血液pH和二氧化碳水平。在第一阶段，我们的目标是开发这样的传感器原型，并证明它们的可行性。我们的研究将集中在开发用于血液pH和血液二氧化碳分压传感器的固体电解质膜。此外，我们还将研究碳化硅微细加工技术用于传感器大规模生产的可行性。在第二阶段，我们将改进设计，优化微制造工艺，并进行必要的开发步骤，以进行人体测试。我们的最终目标是开发利用这种传感器的商业设备，例如用于心内直视手术的套管。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Measurement of arterial blood gases is one of the most frequently performed tests on critically ill patients. Determination of blood gas concentrations (such as pCO2) is conducted by intermittent sampling and analysis using a bench-top analyzer. However, results are not ready until several minutes after the blood samples are taken, and these delayed data may not reflect actual patient status. Continuous blood gas determination would allow for immediate detection of changes in the status of ICU patients, of patients with acute respiratory disorders, and of patients undergoing major surgery (such as bypass surgery). To date, the lack of reliable and inexpensive miniature sensors has been a critical factor preventing wide use of continuous in-vivo gasometry. We have devised a novel approach, using the enabling technology of pH sensors based on the novel molted carbonate iridium oxide (IrOx) deposition process. This technique will allow for commercial products of miniature sensors for continuous monitoring of blood pH and pCO2 levels. In Phase I, our goal is to develop such prototype sensors and to demonstrate their feasibility. Our reserch will be focused on development of solid electrolyte membranes for blood pH and blood pCO2 sensors. Further we will investigate fesibility of silicone carbide micrifabrication technology for mass _roduction of the sensors. In Phase II, we will refine the design, optimize microfabrication process and !perform the necessary development steps towards human testing. Our ultimate aim is to develop commercial devices that will utilize this sensor, such as cannulae for open-heart surgery.