Low Power and Real-Time Oxygen Optrode

Molecular oxygen is the most critical participant in respiratory pr ocess. Adequate oxygen supply is essential for the survivals of all living species. Fast, reliable and real-time measurement of oxygen concentration (partial pressure) is of great importance in assessing the health status of a person/soldier and the timely caring of critically ill patients. Presently available oxygen sensors suffer the drawbacks of slow response, poor stability and selectivity, intermittent sampling, and frequent calibration. Nanomaterials Research Corporation (NRC) proposes to develop a novel optical fiber oxygen sensor (oxygen optrode) that can provide rapid, reliable and continuous sampling and measurement of the concentation of dissolved or gaseous oxygen at ambient temperature, if successful and reduced to practice. The proposed optrode i highly sensitive, selective and robust, and are suitable for in-situ or/and in-vivo and remote sensing applications. It is based on the use of novel luminescent molecular probes and ingenious sensor fabrication process. Phase I will establish the proof-of-concept. Phase II will extensively evaluate, field-test the optrode, optimize and produce prototype sensor for oxygen analysis. Phase III will commercialize the technology.