Micro-Fabricated Thermal Conductivity Sensor for Biomaterials
Introduction Advances in microscale technology are constantly opening doors to new and exciting applications. Of special interest, novel microscale biosensors and other diagnostic devices promise to revolutionize patient care and biomedical research with point-of-care devices, personalized medicine, and in vivo monitoring. These devices provide fast, accurate, and inexpensive sample analysis, and they are adaptable to a potentially limitless array of analytes that could lead to affordable health care devices, including those meeting the needs of the developing world. Technology Description Professor Gao at the University of Washington have developed a microscale biosensor capable of acting as both heater and thermometer that is compatible with biomaterials. This device is designed to measure thermal conductivity and to be directly inserted into the soft tissue of living plants and animals or to be submerged in biofluid. It offers improvements over conventional devices including reduced thermal mass and resistivity, improved thermal contact with sample, minimally invasive, more easily manufactured and mass-produced, more flexible configuration, shorter measurement times, and more easily calibrated. Business Opportunity An effective microscale biosensor capable of measuring temperature and heating samples presents opportunities for biomedical diagnostics. Key applications include point-of-care diagnostic devices and surgical monitoring devices for surgeries involving heat buildup, such as ultrasonic tissue ablation. This device is appropriate for high-throughput sample screening and biomedical research. Stage of Development A working prototype of this technology is in development. Intellectual Property Position The UW is currently reviewing this technology for worldwide patent protection.Type of Offer: Licensing
« More Medical Devices Patents