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UWE Bristol wins prestigious science award for new biosensor technology
A new biosensor developed at UWE Bristol has won the Royal Society of Chemistry’s prestigious Emerging Technologies Competition 2021.
The sensor, developed in collaboration with Bath-based medical company Sommus Scientific, measures the level of anaesthetic propofol in the bloodstream.
Propofol is an intravenous anaesthetic – i.e. administered through the veins – and the university says evidence shows it is more safer and effective than anaesthetic gas.
Despite this, gas has remained the preferred choice for doctors to anaesthetise patients. They are able to monitor the level of anaesthetic in the breath, but have been unable to do so for the level in the blood – until now.
UWE Bristol has developed a new anaesthesia monitoring device in collaboration with Sommus Scientific. Photo Dave Pratt
Professor Richard Luxton, director of the Institute of Bio-Sensing Technology at UWE Bristol, said: “As far as we’re aware, this is the first biosensor in the world to measure the level of anaesthetic in the blood in real-time at the patient’s bedside.
“It’s an exciting piece of technology, which could revolutionise healthcare across the world and improve patients’ experience.
“As well as having health advantages and being more cost-effective, intravenous anaesthetic is also much more sustainable than the highly potent anaesthetic gasses.
“The emissions produced by the anaesthetic gasses currently used in the UK is equivalent to the emissions produced by the one million NHS staff who commute to work every year in their vehicles.
“Our new biosensor technology can benefit both people and planet and we’re delighted that its potential has been recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry Awards.’’
UWE Bristol and Somnus Scientific have been working in collaboration since November 2018, and are one of only four winners in this year’s Emerging Technologies Competition.
Main photo courtesy of UWE Bristol
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