Oxygen level sensor to prevent spread of infections

20th April 2017

Enaie Azambuja

0 0

DOXS Technology Systems, a Pennsylvania firm, has developed a single-use oxygen level monitoring sensor for measuring the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), or the percentage of oxygen involved in the gas exchange performed by a patient’s lungs. Currently used galvanic oxygen sensors have been in existence for decades, but they have a couple downsides that together create potential problems.

Specificially, they’re not sterilisable and because of their high price they’re reused between patients. This creates a possibility for pathogens to remain on the sensor and to jump between patients.

DOXS’ technology is based on that found in zinc air batteries, commonly used in hearing aids, that generate electricity by oxidising zinc within the battery with oxygen from the environment.

This may be a major breakthrough in sensor technology because they can be manufactured for considerably less cost than conventional devices, and DOXS believes they’ll be able to market them for around $45 a pop. This considerably less than existing sensors that cost around $200 each.

DOXS has developed models, and a fully functional demonstrator, with the help of West Pharmaceutical, a company that helps others develop medical products. These devices are kind of smart.

Because of the natural workings of a zinc air battery, as soon as the sensor is removed out of its packaging and it encounters air, it calibrates itself to 21% atmospheric oxygen concentration. It uses two points to do so, the original 0% oxygen while it is vacuum sealed and the atmospheric level upon opening.

The firm has two patents and several enhancement patents pending, but to push it to the next level the founders are looking for investors. Funding would enable it to produce prototypes, conduct clinical trials, obtain FDA approval, commence market lauch, and undergo a managed nationwide expansion.