# Wearable sensor for opioids detection based on electrochemical sensor arrayintegrated with Bluetooth device

> **NIH NIH R44** · EMITECH, INC. · 2024 · $953,511

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Wearable sensor for opioids detection based on electrochemical sensor array
integrated with Bluetooth device
 In this Phase II project, we will develop a new electrochemical sensor array with ultra-
high sensitivity (ng/mL limit of detection), enhanced drug specificity, long-term durability,
low power consumption, and cost-effective production. By the end of Phase II, 20
devices (along with 42 sensory cartridges for each) will be produced and ready for
commercialization (TRL 9) upon completion of Phase II. To provide an ultra-high
sensitivity, nanoporous silicon will be employed as a substrate for the working electrode.
Additionally, advancements of the approach include a high level of integration of all
functional modules on one microchip, wireless communication with user interface
(smartphone, computer), low cost and maintenance through long-term durability, low
power consumption, and cost-effective production.
The specific aims of Phase II are as follows:
 • Develop a prototype of the sensory wearable device, which comprises an
 electrochemical sensor array tuned to six target opioids and six non-opioid
narcotics
 • Demonstrate that the prototype is capable of narcotic detection with ultra-high
 sensitivity (within ng/L range) and high selectivity/low cross-reactivity
 • By the end of Phase II, produce 20 devices (TRL 9) ready for commercialization
 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
optimization of individual sensors to the lowest limit of detection and fabrication of two
interchangeable sensory cartridges for six opioids and six non-opioid narcotics;
integration of the sensory module with the printed circuit board for data conditioning,
processing, and wireless transmittance; two-level trials with human subjects; submission
of an FDA application; fabrication of 20 devices and cartridges ready for
commercialization (TRL 9); patent filing; and establishing contacts with end-users,
purchasers and venture groups so that product commercialization can be started after
Phase II (we will use the company profit for sales and marketing).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10898019
- **Project number:** 5R44DA051289-04
- **Recipient organization:** EMITECH, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Igor A Levitsky
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $953,511
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-30 → 2025-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10898019

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10898019, Wearable sensor for opioids detection based on electrochemical sensor arrayintegrated with Bluetooth device (5R44DA051289-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10898019. Licensed CC0.

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