BIOTECHNOLOGY
Cavity enhanced absorption spectrometer used in sepsis project
clinic multiple times, during which multiple check sockets are fabricated for trial and error. Tis process is both costly and time-consuming and yet more than a third of amputees still reject their prostheses or show a rather low satisfaction level due to comfort issues. Tis is mainly due to socket- related issues, such as poor comfort, reduced biomechanical functionality and hampered control. Te QuickFit project is using smart
QTSS materials to develop printable sensors that can be incorporated within a physical socket (check socket) to change the existing ‘feel and touch’ approach for the development of a good-fit socket that can be designed and fabricated in one day with enhanced comfort for the patients. A 3D model of the residual limb from digital images and a reconstruction algorithm is used to create the digital 3D model to produce the check socket. Te sensors provide pressure distribution data under varying conditions within the socket to fabricate the final definitive socket. Te SocketSense project integrates
advanced sensing, AI methods, embedded electronics and cloud computing to allow manufacturing of a comfortable socket system that is tailored to patients’
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needs. Tis is achieved through real- time monitoring of residual limb tissues evolvement by collecting data through embedded sensors, biomechanical modelling, CAD/CAM and additive manufacturing. Te prosthetic socket will be for all lower limb amputees and for patients to wear in everyday life, and should allow the prosthetist to achieve a good-fit socket within the same day and whenever the patient requires a new one.
SEPSIS POINT-OF-CARE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Sepsis is a life-threating illness that can arise unpredictably and progress very quickly. It is caused by an overwhelming immune response to infection. It is more common than heart attacks and is a leading cause of avoidable death. Each year in the UK, between 44,000 and 68,000 people die of sepsis. It is difficult to identify and every hour that the sepsis is undiagnosed increases the risk of death by 6-10%. Early diagnosis is important so that treatment can start as quickly as possible and the number of deaths be reduced. Te team has developed a low cost
and portable instrument with a highly sensitive cavity enhanced absorption
(CEA) detection and a disposable cartridge. A finger-prick of a patient’s blood is placed in the cartridge which is then placed into the instrument and a number of key biomarkers are measured that can give information about the septic patient’s status. Further development of the instrument
will allow automated measurements so that it is easy to use and could be available in a GPs surgery, within an ambulance or within an emergency department, making it easier to identify sepsis earlier and provide faster treatment.
MICROBIOREACTOR: NOVEL SYSTEM FOR MINIATURISED BIOPROCESSING Optimisation of bioprocesses relies on approaches that are either labour intensive or require expensive robotic systems. Te centre has developed a low-cost 3D printed microbioreactor with integrated optical sensing (pH, oxygen and cell density). A pressurised fluid driving system was used to control flow rates down to 0.7 μL/min and complex fluidic operations could be performed using off-chip fluidic switching from four reservoirs using solenoid valves. Oxygen was transferred
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