Med-Tech Innovation University News


Microscopic organic imaging systems


Scientists at the University of Nottingham are developing microscopic organic medical imaging systems. The nanotransducers, made from fat found in the membrane of naturally occurring biological cells, could have a range of applications, including detecting tumours earlier, monitoring electrical activity in the brain and tracking individual cells as they move around the body.


The work is led by Dr Melissa Mather, who said, “This research is very


exciting as it paves the way for the development of tiny transducers that could be used in the human body without any risk of toxicity.” To support the work, Dr Mather has received a Career Acceleration


Fellowship from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, which will provide funding of more than £730,000 over the next five years. Scientists have discovered that a wider range of materials than previously thought can be used to make transducers if they are miniaturised down to the nanoscale. Dr Mather’s work is centred on the design and manufacture of nano-sized transducers made from phospholipids, the main type of fat found in the membrane of biological cells. Part of this work will involve forming the phospholipids into bubbles


Spin-out raises more funds


Manchester University spin- out Phagenesis has secured €7 million venture capital funding to accelerate its development plans. The company’s technology delivers electrical pulses to the throat that can help people suffering from dysphagia, a common condition that prevents or impairs the safe swallowing of food and drink. At least 50% of stroke victims are left with impaired swallowing.


The investment is led by life science fund Inventages, with existing shareholders also participating. Gunnar Weikert, founder of Inventages, said, “Phagenesis is addressing a critical unmet need in a very large market. Dysphagic patients are underserved by modern medicine and many face tube feeding and a significant loss of quality of life for decades. Phagenesis is ideally placed to meet this challenge.”


The inventor of the technology is Shaheen Hamdy, Professor of Gastroenterology at Salford Royal Hospital NHS Trust. www.manchester.ac.uk


www.med-techinnovation.com


called liposomes to take advantage of their acoustic properties, which is a crucial element for using transducers for testing.


The research will look at different ways of increasing the power of the acoustic signal produced by modifying the composition, shape and size of the liposome. These transducers will be used to develop a biological micro imaging system that will be able to produce diagnostic images of the body. The aim is to have a working prototype of the system by 2016. www.nottingham.ac.uk


Context awareness aids independent living


A team of researchers at the University of Ulster are developing assistive technology to soften the effects of mild cognitive illness and allow people to live independently in their own homes. The system developed by Karen Lee, Dr Tom Lunney, Dr Kevin Curran and Dr Jose Santos of the University’s Intelligent Systems Research Centre consists of a small camera worn around the neck, which takes pictures unobtrusively when


triggered by the internal sensors within the camera; it can also be set up to work on a timer taking pictures every 30 seconds.


The sensors will automatically trigger the camera when the person moves around or changes activities. Images are uploaded at the end of the recording session or particular activity. The person can then look at their images in a special browser that is installed on their computer. Examples of images taken could be a family wedding or day out. Research shows that reminiscing over images has positive effects on memory recall. The system can also be used as an assessment tool for monitoring physical and mental health conditions, monitoring outcomes of medication intake and general monitoring of behaviour to detect any anomalies. Dr Curran explained that “the camera is fitted with a small GPS-GPRS-GSM tracker- camera, which can also monitor outdoors and uses real-time polling to track and locate a wandering individual. The device can be programmed to permit someone to walk a certain distance and if that distance is breached a text message is sent to a carer or family member. The system offers two-way communication, therefore, a person who is lost can send a SOS alert and receive assistance immediately. The device also alerts the carer when the battery is low by sending a text message. There are no software fees or subscriptions for using this device.” www.isrc.ulster.co.uk


November/December 2011 ¦ 05


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