"Wearable sensor for opioids detection based on electrochemical sensor array integrated with Bluetooth device "

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R43 · $328,961 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract Wearable sensor for opioids detection based on electrochemical sensor array integrated with Bluetooth device In this Phase I project, we will develop the prototype of a wearable device, as a forearm bracelet, for rapid, on-site opioid intake monitoring and alerting. We will demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by fabricating an electrochemical sensor array, sweat stimulator, and flexible printed circuit board, integrated all in one microchip capable of opioids detecting in human sweat with ultra-high sensitivity (ng/L range) and enhanced selectivity. To provide an ultra-high sensitivity, a nanoporous silicon membrane will be employed as a substrate for the working electrode. Additionally, advancements of the proposed approach include a high level of integration of all functional modules in one microchip, low cost and maintenance through long-term durability, low power consumption, and cost-effective production. The proposed Phase I project has three Aims: • Aim 1: Develop a prototype of the sensory wearable device, which comprises: (i) an electrochemical sensor array tuned to two target opioids and integrated with (ii) a sweat stimulator, (iii) flexible printed circuit board and (iv) Bluetooth transceiver; • Aim 2: Demonstrate that the prototype is capable of opioid detecting with ultra- high sensitivity (within ng/L range) and high selectivity/low cross-reactivity; • Aim 3: Investigate the correlation between prototype sensitivity/specificity and human parameters (age, gender) with the assistance of drug treatment center in Fall River, MA. In Phase II the prototype of the wearable device will be further optimized and developed to the level of commercial readiness. Major objectives of Phase II include: wireless communication with user interface (smartphone, computer), increasing the number of sensors in the array to other opioids (mostly synthetic), improvement of sensitivity (down to low ng/L range) cross-reactivity and long-term stability, business plan preparation, patent filing and establishing contacts with end-users, purchasers and venture groups so that product commercialization can be started after Phase II.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10142625
Project number
1R43DA051289-01A1
Recipient
EMITECH, INC.
Principal Investigator
Igor A Levitsky
Activity code
R43
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2020
Award amount
$328,961
Award type
1
Project period
2020-09-30 → 2021-08-31