CANARY - MicroNano biosensor for continuous vital sign monitoring

In the CANARY project, Sensocure is working to develop a unique new product, a sensor-based early warning system that will continuously monitor for systemic increases in carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body, which indicates a critical condition for the patient. Examples where our system will be able to provide unique, important and reliable information about the patient's systemic health are: potentially life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, acute blood loss and heart failure, or critical worsening of serious chronic or acute respiratory diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or COVID-19 . For these patients, early diagnosis and treatment, as a result of pCO2 monitoring, can dramatically improve prognosis and save many lives. In the first project year, Sensocure has worked on the design and modeling of a sensor container adapted to the application, i.e. for non-invasive use (without penetration of skin or cell boundaries). We investigate sensor mounts and contact materials, with a particular interest in flexible, biocompatible and medically approved polymer materials. We have developed a first prototype for the control electronics, and have tested it together with pCO2 and SpO2 sensors, in the laboratory and on healthy volunteers, with promising results. It is a portable system, with a battery-powered control unit and Bluetooth transmission of measurement data to a PC. We are working with a new concept for calibrating the pCO2 sensor, in air, which will enable a faster, simpler and cheaper calibration process. We have started the development of a new pCO2 sensor. We research new materials and configurations for electrodes and membranes, with simulations and tests in the laboratory. Sensocure collaborates with SINTEF Digital, department for smart sensor systems and with Oslo University Hospital, at Medical Technical Operations (OUS MTV). A significant national and international network of partners and subcontractors will be used.