Wearable sensor to monitor Oxygen levels through skin

Researchers have combined a new Oxygen-sensing film with machine learning to create a wearable sensor capable of measuring tissue Oxygenation through skin. The device could be used to monitor a person's Oxygen levels on a continuous basis for applications in medicine and sports.

The technology is particularly powerful for medical situations where the traditional blood Oxygen saturation tools fail to provide adequate information. The applications of this wearable wireless Oxygen device range from traumatic injuries such as car accidents and battlefield injuries to post-surgical monitoring and wound care.

The device, worn like a wristwatch midway up the forearm, consists of a 3D-printed casing, a small sensor head and adhesive oxygen sensing film. Electronic components process data from the sensor and allow the device to send recordings via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The sensor works by detecting the phosphorescence lifetime and intensity of an acrylic Oxygen sensing film. Two LEDs in the sensor head excite the oxygen sensing film with ultraviolet light. A photodiode detects the phase of light emitted by the Oxygen sensing film in response.

Comparing the phase of the light emitted by the LEDs with the phase of light emitted by the Oxygen sensing film provides a measure of the Oxygen level in the tissue under the film.

The simplicity, accuracy, small size, and ease-of-use of the device means it can go just about anywhere and be used by doctors, nurses, paramedics, and well as patients in their own home.