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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
08:28
Creating Rapid Oxygen Oscillations in Microbial Single-cell Growth Analysis using a Microfluidic Double-layer Device
Published on: July 18, 2025
Oxygen sensing using microrobots
Olgac Ergeneman1, George Chatzipirpiridis, Femke B Gelderblom
1Multiscale Robotics Laboratory, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, 8092, Switzerland. vidalp@ethz.ch
Summary
A wireless intraocular microrobot with a novel luminescence oxygen sensor enables minimally-invasive diagnosis. This technology offers precise control and optical readout for improved intraocular measurements.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optical Sensing
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Minimally-invasive diagnostic tools are crucial for intraocular conditions.
- Wireless sensing technologies offer advantages in precision and patient comfort.
- Oxygen levels are critical physiological parameters within the eye.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a wireless intraocular microrobot equipped with a luminescence oxygen sensor.
- To enable accurate, minimally-invasive oxygen level monitoring within the intraocular cavity.
- To demonstrate wireless control and optical readout capabilities for the microrobot system.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of platinum(II) octaethylporphine (PtOEP) dyes in a polystyrene matrix for luminescence sensing.
- Development of a magnetically controlled microrobot for intraocular navigation.
- Utilized frequency-domain lifetime measurement for luminescence-based oxygen sensing.
- Characterization of sensor properties including excitation/emission spectra, response time, and oxygen sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Successful integration of a luminescence oxygen sensor onto a wirelessly controlled intraocular microrobot.
- Demonstrated oxygen sensing based on luminescence quenching by oxygen.
- Characterized sensor performance and validated a custom device for intraocular measurements.
- An alternative sensor using poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PS-MA) nanospheres showed enhanced performance.
Conclusions:
- The developed luminescence oxygen sensor in a wireless microrobot is a promising tool for minimally-invasive intraocular diagnosis.
- The system allows for precise, wireless control and optical readout of oxygen levels within the eye.
- Further development with nanosphere-based sensors can enhance performance for clinical applications.
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