SBIR-STTR Award

The specific aim of the proposed research is to demonstrate proof-of- concept for a new whole-body indirect calorimeter for the measurement of energy expenditure in infants. The measurement of energy expenditure in infants is important for a number of reasons, including determination of energy requirements in health and disease, the metabolic cost of growth, optimal environmental conditions, and response to different feeds. Due to the current difficulty in obtaining energy expenditure measurements in this population, values are commonly estimated from tables or regression equations. These estimates show considerable variability and are of limited value in metabolic studies. The proposed instrument will incorporate new technologies related to the key measurements required for indirect calorimetry: gas analysis and airflow control. Furthermore, the overall system design will lead to enhanced accuracy and stability of measurement. Should this development prove successful, the result will be a new indirect calorimeter for infants that meets the following criteria: (1) non-invasive, (2) accurate, (3) stable, (4) maintains normal environment (21% O2, 0.03% CO2), (5) easy to use, and (6) portable. The availability of such a product could significantly contribute to the study and care of infants under a variety of circumstances. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: There are commercial applications in research and health care for the resultant whole-body indirect calorimeter; including the study of energy balance, growth, and enhanced nutritional requirements under certain conditions, e.g., in burn patients. The component technologies used in the system, specifically the methods of airflow measurement and oxygen analysis, are also commercially marketable technologies having both health care and industrial applications.

The goal of this research is to develop a unique respiratory gas analyzer for both oxygen and carbon dioxide, characterized by very fast response, high stability, and significant cost savings. It incorporates new approaches to sensing O2 and CO2 not previously demonstrated in gas analysis. In Phase I, the applicant organization demonstrated proof-of- concept by building a prototype whose specifications currently exceed those of some commercially available gas analyzers costing three times as much. The technology also provides many practical advantages, e.g., the weight of the combined O2/CO2 analyzer is less than 2.5 kg, while competitive gas analyzers weight over 28 kg. Projected cost is approximately $5,000. Proposed Phase II research will improve the design, including extending the capability to pediatric and neonatal applications, and incorporate the resulting gas analyzer into a complete metabolic analysis system. Both bench testing and validation with human subjects will take place. This research will lead to a new technology useful and cost effective for patient monitoring, exercise stress testing, metabolic analysis, and monitoring of controlled atmospheres such as hyperbaric chambers. There are also industrial applications, including greenhouse monitoring, food processing, and pollution control. The applicant's organization has a successful track record in developing and commercializing SBIR technology. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: Commercial applications include health-related applications such as patient monitoring, metabolic measurement, exercise stress testing, and nutritional evaluation. Other industrial applications include greenhouse monitoring, food processing, and other environmental monitoring. The resultant O2/CO2 gas analyzer will be marketed as a stand alone product and incorporated into a metabolic analysis system.