Highly specific protein encapsulated in a porous matrix binds with exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) to accurately measure airway inflammation
The Insight™ eNO System measures exhaled nitric oxide based on a unique and advanced biosensor technology. The sensor utilizes a tiny, porous, glass matrix permeable to nitric oxide. Inside the glass matrix, nitric oxide attaches with highly specific protein molecules. This process of attachment results in a measurable optical signal when light is passed through the matrix. This signal is proportional to the concentration of nitric oxide. By measuring the signal resulting from the attachment process, the Insight system can accurately detect trace amounts of nitric oxide molecules in a single breath sample.
Apieron is the first company to successfully implement a technique utilizing Sol-Gel technology to make a commercial biosensor for the detection of nitric oxide.
The Insight system’s product design and biosensor technology are very unique in many ways:
- The Insight system is highly sensitive to nitric oxide – The Insight eNO System produces a measurable signal that very accurately indicates the amount of nitric oxide in even trace quantities. Nitric oxide measurement results are reported in parts per billion (ppb).
- The Insight system is very specific to nitric oxide – The optical signal from the Insight eNO System is generated only in response to nitric oxide molecules in the breath sample. The system is therefore able to provide reliable nitric oxide measurements over a wide range of concentrations.
- The Insight system is proven up to 18,000 test cycles without servicing. This makes it reliable and appropriate for routine application in busy clinics.
- The Insight system uses individual breath tubes for each patient and does not require the patient to handle the monitor – the system is very hygienic for use in a multi-patient environment.
In addition, the Insight eNO System offers a user-friendly interface to measure eNO and analyze patient data. This allows physicians to tailor therapy precisely and accurately. It also provides a convenient means to print patient data reports and send physician interpretations to health insurance organizations for reimbursement purposes.