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A remarkable convergence of technologies
in optics, microelectronics, materials, and chemistry
has created new possibilities for small, cost-effective,
widely available sensors. In the future, millions of
such sensors may be deployed to provide diagnostic and
control capabilities in a variety of existing and unforeseen
applications. SMSI® is a leader in this
wave of innovation.
SMSI's technology portfolio includes
over 30 issued and pending U.S. patents in the field
of optical-based sensors. Optical-based sensors convert
a specific change in the environment (e.g. temperature,
pressure, electric and magnetic fields, etc.) into a
change in an optical property of a material (e.g. absorbance,
reflectance, luminescence, birefringence, etc.) that
is measured directly. Of particular interest, the presence
or absence of certain chemical species may affect the
optical properties. This characteristic of the material
allows one to make an optical chemical sensor.
The research effort
at SMSI has focused primarily on developing optical
chemical sensors that operate on induced fluorescence
changes. SMSI's fluorescence chemical sensing systems
can be divided into two key technologies:
- The fluorescent indicator chemistry; and
- The electro-optical hardware package.
The fluorescent indicator chemistry
is specific to the molecule to be detected. Other analytes
(such as pH, CO2, NO) would each
require its own indicator chemistry.
In addition to SMSI's proprietary
fluorescent indicator molecules, the Company has developed
two distinct hardware platforms that enable a broad
range of uses.
The "wired"
design used in the SMSI Oxygen Sensor is a platform
designed to have a direct electrical connection to supporting
electronics. This package may be integrated into virtually
any design for a fixed or portable analyzer.
The "wireless"
design used in SMSI Glucose Sensor is a platform
designed to draw power and report its measurements via
a proprietary telemetry technology. This hardware platform
is currently being optimized for implantation in the
body.
The current embodiment of these
platforms can be modified and tailored to fit the requirements
of a particular application.
Copyright © 2010 Sensors for Medicine and Science, Inc.®
All rights reserved. Date of last update: 02/03/10.
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