Design and validation of the transparent oxygen sensor array.
A new oxygen monitoring system has been developed that consists of an array of transparent, independently-connected oxygen sensors mounted on a glass plate. This system is intended for continuous monitoring of oxygen at multiple locations on the surface of exteriorized tissues, while simultaneously visualizing microvascular activity. The sensor array is fabricated by techniques similar to those employed for semiconductors, which facilitate customization of sensor size and pattern to best monitor oxygen in a given physiologic preparation. Methods are described for characterizing the performance of the sensor array in vitro, including studies on the oxygen sensitivity, stability of the signal, and detection of oxygen gradients. An example of in vivo application of the sensor array is also presented.