Korean scientists have developed a portable CO2 sensor with low energy consumption and high speed, capable of monitoring breathing in a stable and real -time way.
- A flexible, stable, compact CO2 sensor with low energy consumption has been developed by Korean researchers.
- Reusable and functional continuously for nine hours, it allows respiratory surveillance in real time.
- “The device can be used for the early diagnosis of various diseases, such as hypercapnia, chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy and sleep apnea”, according to the authors.
Monitor carbon dioxide (CO2), namely a major respiratory metabolite is essential to diagnose and treat respiratory and metabolic diseases, such as asthma or dyspnea. Currently, existing non -invasive CO2 sensors are limited by their large size and high energy consumption. “Optochemical sensors using fluorescent molecules are promising candidates for non -invasive CO2 detection because of their compact size and high sensitivity. Nevertheless, their short lifespan and their limited understanding have reduced their use for long -term breathing monitoring”, have reported researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (South Korea).
A CO2 sensor that can be used continuously for 9 hours
As part of a study, published in the journal Devicethe team has thus developed a CO2 sensor with low energy consumption, composed of an LED and an organic photodiode which surrounds it. “Based on a great efficiency of light collection, the sensor, which minimizes the amount of light of excitement irradiated on fluorescent molecules, has reached energy consumption of the device of 171 μw, tens of times less than the existing sensors which consume several MW.” For this sensor, scientists have effectively reduced errors caused by photodedgradation, chronic problem of existing optochemical sensors. Unlike existing technologies based on the same material which can only be used for less than 20 minutes, the new device can be used continuously for nine hours and several times by replacing the film fluorescent for carbon dioxide detection.
BPCO, hypercapnia, sleep apnea: the sensor “can be used for the early diagnosis of various diseases”
When fixed inside a facial mask, the sensor makes it possible to precisely measure the concentration of CO2, thanks to its lightness (0.12 g), its finesse (0.7 mm) and its flexibility. In addition, it has shown rapid speed and high resolution to monitor the respiratory frequency by distinguishing between inspiration and expiration in real time.
“The device can be used for the early diagnosis of various diseases, such as hypercapnia, chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy and sleep apnea. In particular, it should be used to improve the side effects caused by reinpiracy in environments where dust is generated or when masks are worn for long periods, as during seasonal changes”, has concluded Seunghyup Yoowho participated in research.
