A flexible organic reflectance oximeter array

TLDR

The optical method for determining blood oxygen saturation is limited to transilluminated tissues and provides only single‑point measurements, lacking two‑dimensional mapping. The study aims to develop a flexible array of organic printed optoelectronics that senses reflected light from tissue to enable oxygen saturation measurement. The array captures reflected light with printed optoelectronics, allowing the creation of two‑dimensional oxygenation maps through a coupled mathematical model. The device accurately measures oxygen saturation on the forehead, produces 2D oxygenation maps of forearms under ischemia, and shows promise for monitoring tissues, wounds, grafts, and transplanted organs.

Abstract

Significance The optical method to determine oxygen saturation in blood is limited to only tissues that can be transilluminated. The status quo provides a single-point measurement and lacks 2D oxygenation mapping capability. We use organic printed optoelectronics in a flexible array configuration that senses reflected light from tissue. Our reflectance oximeter is used beyond conventional sensing locations and accurately measures oxygen saturation on the forehead. In a full system implementation, coupled with a mathematical model, we create 2D oxygenation maps of adult forearms under pressure-cuff–induced ischemia. Our skin-like flexible sensor system has the potential to transform oxygenation monitoring of tissues, wounds, skin grafts, and transplanted organs.