A Portable Broadband Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Device for In Vivo Oxygenation and Metabolism Measurements

Area of Science:

• Biomedical optics
• Physiological monitoring
• Wearable technology

Background:

• Broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (bNIRS) extends functional NIRS (fNIRS) capabilities.
• bNIRS assesses oxygenation biomarkers and cellular metabolism via oxidized cytochrome-c-oxidase (oxCCO).
• Current bNIRS devices are bulky, limiting portability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a miniaturized, portable bNIRS device for on-site oxygenation and metabolism measurements.
• Introduce microCYRIL, a dual-channel device leveraging micro-spectrometers and broadband LEDs.
• Validate the device's functionality in tracking physiological changes.

Main Methods:

• Designed a compact bNIRS device (microCYRIL) using Surface-Mount Device (SMD) micro-spectrometers.
• Employed broadband near-infrared (NIR) high-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
• Validated functionality by monitoring hemodynamic and metabolic changes during brachial artery occlusion.

Main Results:

• Successfully tracked concentration changes of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb).
• Monitored the oxidation state of cytochrome-c-oxidase (oxCCO), a marker of cellular metabolism.
• Demonstrated device functionality in a controlled physiological challenge.

Conclusions:

• The developed microCYRIL device offers a portable solution for bNIRS measurements.
• This technology enables simultaneous assessment of tissue oxygenation and metabolism.
• MicroCYRIL has potential applications in various physiological monitoring scenarios.