CANARY - MicroNano biosensor for continuous vital sign monitoring

In project CANARY, Sensocure is working on developing a unique new product, a sensor-based early warning system that will continuously monitor the body for build-up of carbon dioxide (CO2), signifying an emergent critical condition for the patient. Examples where our system would provide unique, important and reliable information about the patient's systemic health are: potentially life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, acute blood loss and heart failure, or critical worsening of severe chronic or acute respiratory diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or COVID-19 . For these patients, early diagnosis and treatment, as a result of pCO2 monitoring, can dramatically improve the prognosis and save many lives. In the first project year, Sensocure has worked on the design and modeling of a dedicated sensor holder, for non-invasive (without penetration of skin or cell boundaries) CO2 measurements. We investigate sensor fixtures and contact materials, for example flexible, biocompatible, medical-grade polymers. We have developed a first control unit prototype and have tested it together with pCO2 and SpO2 sensors, in laboratory and by healthy volunteers, with promising results. It is a battery-powered portable system, with Bluetooth transfer of measurement data to a PC. We are working on a new concept for calibration of the pCO2 sensor, in air, which will enable a faster, easier and less expensive calibration process. We have started the development of a new pCO2 sensor. We are researching new materials and configurations for electrodes and membranes, with simulations and tests in the laboratory. Sensocure carries on the project with SINTEF Digital, department of smart sensor systems and with Oslo University Hospital, at the Medical Technical Business (OUS MTV). A significant national and international network of partners and subcontractors will be used.

In project “CANARY”, Sensocure proposes a unique new product, a sensor-based early ALERTING system that will continuously monitor the body for build-up of carbon dioxide (CO2), signifying an emergent CRITICAL condition for the patient. Based on their patented technology, that enables organ-level pCO2 (partial pressure) monitoring, Sensocure will create a unique non-invasive (without penetrating skin or cell boundaries) sensor that provides early warning for patients where the pCO2 level presents a unique and reliable monitor of their systemic health. Examples are: - potentially life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, hypovolemic shock (acute blood loss), cardiogenic shock (heart failure) - critical worsening of severe chronic or acute respiratory diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or COVID-19 For these patients, early diagnosis and treatment, as a result of pCO2 monitoring, can dramatically improve a prognosis and save many lives. The project will also explore options to extend the system with measurements on arterial SpO2, temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate, in addition to pCO2. Ordinary hospital wards will be the initial market for our system. In the future, reconvalescent homes and outpatient monitoring will make for even larger potential markets. The design and principle of measurement, the sensor holder, electronics and user interface will be developed and tested, in the laboratory, animal trials and by healthy volunteers. Sensocure will carry out the project in collaboration with SINTEF Digital, Department of Smart Sensor Systems and with Oslo University Hospital's Department of Clinical and Biomedical Engineering (OUS MTV). A significant national and international network of partners and subcontractors will be used.