Microfluidic NO Sensor for Clinical Sepsis Detection (2011)
Undergraduates: Anirudh Gowd, B.J. Privett
Faculty Advisor: Mark Schoenfisch
Department: Chemistry
The goal of this experiment is to use Microfluidic Devices in order to take real-time measurements of Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide is one analyte heavily present in patients that are undergoing septic shock. An early detection of Nitric Oxide will allow for the best treatment of patients undergoing septic shock because Nitric Oxide is released near the onset of the immune response. In order to detect Nitric Oxide, the electrochemical technique, potential amperometry, is used. In doing so, one is able to measure a stable current with a variable Nitric Oxide concentration. To inhibit the detection of interfering species, such as Nitrite, Lactic Acid, and Acetametaphin, a Xerogel membrane is used atop the microfluidic device to prevent electrochemistry on such compounds. The microfluidic device was fabricated using photolithography techniques to apply platinum electrodes on a glass substrate. In combination with the Xerogel membrane, these microfluidic devices are able to selectively, and accurately, measure Nitric Oxide in low concentrations.