Graphene Sensors Can Help Detect Sepsis Early in Critically Ill Patients
A new study from the University of Bath has shown that a graphene-based biosensor, designed by Integrated Graphene, has the potential to play a major role in detecting elevated levels of lactate, an important biomarker for the treatment of critically ill patients.
Image Credit: Integrated Graphene
Research published in Sensors and Actuators: B.Chemical, shows that the Gii-Sens™ Integrated Graphene electrochemical sensor can improve accuracy in the diagnosis of hyperlactatemia, a common complication in the intensive care unit.
Hyperlactatemia occurs as a result of insufficient oxygen reaching the tissues or as a result of an underlying condition, such as advanced liver disease. Untreated hyperlactatemia can lead to lactic acidosis, which causes severe illness and can be fatal. Reliable real-time lactate detection through point-to-point or continuous monitoring can help improve patient outcomes in critical care and can accelerate the diagnosis of sepsis in critically ill patients.
Based in Stirling, Integrated Graphene’s flagship product, Gii-Sens™ is a biosensing electrode for diagnostics that outperforms traditional sensing materials by 10-100 times, enabling cost-effective laboratory precision testing in minutes when needed. Other applications of the technology include quality control in the food production industry, and wearable lactate sensors that can be used to monitor athlete performance in real time.
Dr Marco Caffio, Co-Founder and CSO of Integrated Graphene, it says: Lactate is a natural biomarker that everyone produces as a byproduct of exercising. For most people it’s easily processed by the body and won’t cause any major harm, other than a few cramps if you push yourself too hard.
“However, for some critically ill patients and those with underlying conditions, it can be a sign of a variety of other problems, some of which, such as sepsis, can be fatal. Having a robust way of monitoring lactate levels is important in ensuring the best outcome for these patients. The findings of this study demonstrate Gii’s reliable performance and potential to save lives.”
