Medical
Opening windows into mitochondrial function. New information about local oxygen delivery and consumption at the bedside.
Cellular Energetics
Cellular function depends on a complex pathway of oxygen transfer from hemoglobin to myoglobin and into mitochondria.
Oxygen is the terminal receiver of the electron in the electron transport chain, allowing ongoing production of energy in the form of ATP. Direct, in-vivo monitoring of mitochondria in living tissues would open new directions of research and care. Pendar’s resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) based platform allows real-time, in-vivo quantification of the mitochondrial redox state on exposed tissues. In a recent study, we demonstrated that the reduced mitochondrial ratio (3RMR) could be measured in a beating rat heart. When the heart was subjected to hypoxia, the 3RMR predicted impending cardiac failure. A 3RMR value exceeding a threshold of 40% at 10 minutes predicted a subsequent drop in cardiac output and, ultimately, cardiac failure. [Perry et al, 2017]
Mitochondrial energetics may play a role in determining organ or tissue viability following periods of ischemia, and may be useful in diagnosing or monitoring diseases that affect oxygen delivery and utilization. Pendar has a number of ongoing research partnerships in these areas, and we are always open to new collaborations. If you have an idea for working together, please, contact us.
Microvascular Oximetry
Pendar Technologies has ongoing trials of microvascular oximeters to evaluate peripheral StO2 as a marker for reduced oxygen supply in systemic conditions such as hemorrhage, sepsis, and cardiac failure.
By integrating a high resolution spectrometer, small flexible probes, and sophisticated algorithms into a compact form factor, it is possible to deliver highly accurate, continuous measurements while managing costs and usability in the critical care environment. Portable spectroscopy of oxygen utilization in the peripheral microvasculature will give caregivers a better understanding of hemodynamics at the bedside. Moving beyond traditional tools such as pulse oximetry and invasive catheters, oximeters based on Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RRS) and other modalities non-invasively capture data at the capillary level of peripheral tissues.
Hemoglobin Saturation
Pendar Technologies has ongoing research into oximeters able to assess oxygen saturation in-situ through existing bags or tubing.
By integrating a high resolution spectrometer, small flexible probes, and sophisticated algorithms into a compact form factor, it is possible to deliver highly accurate, rapid measurements in environments such as blood banks. Because RRS is based on sharp vibrational peaks, it is highly specific to target molecules and thus less sensitive to interfering substances. Real time measurements are possible through blood bags, for example, allowing research into the oxygen trends of stored blood.
NOTE: CAUTION: Investigational devices. Limited by Federal Law to investigational use only.