Since the initial discovery in 1977 that brain tissue transparency to NIR (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) light allowed a non-invasive and continuous method of measuring tissue oxygen saturation using transillumination in neonates, a number of applications to non-invasively measure blood oxygenation in muscle and the circulatory system have been developed. Among these, fNIRS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) is a non-invasive imaging method involving the quantification of chromophore concentration resolved from the measurement of near infrared (NIR) light attenuation or temporal or phasic changes thus allowing the assessment of blood perfusion near the surface of any part of the human body. NIR spectrum light takes advantage of the optical window in which skin, tissue, and bone are mostly transparent to NIR light in the spectrum of 700–900 nm, while hemoglobin (Hb) and deoxygenated-hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) are stronger absorbers of light. Differences in the absorption spectra of deoxy-Hb and oxy-Hb allow the measurement of relative changes in hemoglobin concentration through the use of light attenuation at multiple wavelengths.

This invention is single channel functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) sensor that is a totally self-contained unit that requires no external control hardware or data links.  The sensor can be used as a single measurement unit or in a network of multiple units.  Data can be stored on board each unit or transmitted wirelessly to a PC or smart device.  The device is manufactured on a single 10mm x 29mm printed circuit board and can be powered by a lithium polymer battery.  The self-contained design is suitable for transfer to a flex-circuit environment.  All components are “off the shelf” and easily obtained commercially. The resulting device is a completely wireless, wearable device allows the subject under evaluation to function in a non-clinical environment. Moreover, the sensor can be used in any setting and does not require elaborate hardware support. The flexibility and portability of this prototype device offers a developer the opportunity to configure multiple products that address consumer needs.  The ultimate product can be tailored to the medical/clinical applications used in hospital or research environments.  Ease of use and the availability of apps for smart phones and tablets enables this fNIRS device to provide a far more accessible implementation of a powerful imaging and data gathering technique.

Potential Application

A small lightweight wireless wearable functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) capable of performing fNIR subcutaneous measurements in a non-invasive, convenient way without needing very expensive equipment.

Opportunity

Near Infrared Spectroscopy devices form a subset of the global Diagnostic Imaging market which was estimated at $32.42 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach $52.31 billion by 2023 representing a CAGR of 7.07% from 2016 to 2023. An increase in the incidence of neurological disorders and a rise in number of diagnostic imaging procedures drive this market.

Rowan University is looking for a partner for further development and commercialization of this technology through a license.