Devices that measure the concentration of relevant markers like nitric oxide (NO) in human exhalations can accurately determine tissue inflammation and disease activity.
However, the current state-of-the-art device is large, must be plugged in, and is commercialized at significantly high costs.
Reportedly, miniature sensor technology developed in the laboratory of professor NJ Tao at ASU’s Biodesign Institute solves these problems.
The long-term development goal is a device that will measure exhaled relevant markers concentration in real time and help doctors to adjust the dosage of an inhaled medication in response.
Accurate data acquisition via a microcontroller and real-time data transmission via a bluetooth chip will allow patients to perform measurements at any location.
If combined with GPS technology, the device could also track the location where the dosages occurred.
Zcube general manager Lorenzo Pradella said the technology Zcube licensed from AzTe is a game-changer for the monitoring and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases
"The tiny sensors – nearly flat and less than 1 cm across – will allow us to make portable devices to monitor and treat disease activity in real time and for far less cost that what is currently available," Pradella said.
AzTe managing director Augustine Cheng said their licensing agreement with Zcube is proof that even global companies recognize the cutting-edge research with real-world impact being performed at ASU.
