Sensor for Transplant Organs

Scientists at University of Ulster have developed sensors that are inserted in transplant organs to monitor if there has been any deterioration in the organs condition since being removed from the donor.

The sensors are flexible micro-electrodes based on nanotechnology. They monitor the electrical and chemical characteristics of the organ cell tissue.

The monitoring system means that surgeons can know immediately whether the organ is suitable for transplantation. If the organs become unusable the sensor read-outs indicate reasons as to why and what can be done to prevent the same thing happening in the future.

The same sensor technology can be used to give read-outs and status reports on the organs' condition during transplant operations. It is based on a multifunctional silicon microprobe with integrated microsensors for the detection of key parameters indicating organ viability.

The sensor signals are processed on chip and transmitted to the acquisition system by wire transmission and telemetry transmission. In the organ transport system, the data acquisition system is based on a micro-controller, and is PC-based for the on-bed monitoring system.