You are here

Laser-Based Exhaled Breath Nitric Oxide Analyzer

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 2R44HL068305-02
Agency Tracking Number: HL068305
Amount: $738,049.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2003
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
ARETE ASSOCIATES 333 N WILMOT RD, 4TH FL
TUCSON, AZ 85711
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 GREGORY FETZER
 (520) 571-8660
 GFETZER@ARETE-AZ.COM
Business Contact
 JOHN MCLEAN
Phone: (520) 571-8660
Email: JMCLEEN@ARETE-AZ.COM
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this Phase II program we propose continued development of a new nitric oxide (NO) sensor. The sensor is intended for use in assessment of airway inflammation with applications in asthma diagnosis and management as well as in other health care applications involving inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and the urogenital organs. We use the relatively new Quantum Cascade (QC) distributed feedback semiconductor lasers and flexible hollow waveguides that serve as a light guide and a gas sample cell to produce a tunable Mid-InfraRed semiconductor Laser Absorption Spectrometer (MIRLAS). The QC lasers operate in the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum where NO exhibits a strong band of absorption. We use wavelength modulation spectroscopy to provide measurements that are species specific to assure that measurements are relatively free of interference effects from other constituents of the sample stream. The small sample volumes presented by the hollow waveguide and a proprietary gas exchange assembly provide for rapid response to gas concentration changes. In Phase I, using MIRLAS, we demonstrated a 58.8 ppb NO detection limit with a 0 to 90% rise time of 0.48 s. These measurements are the first of their kind reported in the world. The feasibility of our approach has been clearly demonstrated. The markets for such a device are extensive. The instrument is compact and lightweight and could easily be deployed in physician's offices, health care clinics and emergency rooms. As an indicator of the commercial significance Arete Associates has formed a strategic alliance with Aerocrine AB, a commercial medical device company specializing in airway inflammation diagnosis. Plans for development and marketing are ongoing and evidenced by their participation in this program.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government