Description: IFOS is developing a multifunctional whole-blood analysis lab-on-a-chip platform for assessment of kidney health. The IFOS innovations are found in each subsystem, including photonic integrated circuits (PICs), microelectronics, and biochemical microfluidics. The unique differentiated design is expected to result in a low SWaP-C, highly manufacturable, and highly reliable on-demand measurement platform for diverse medical applications both on earth and during space missions. In Phase 1, the IFOS multidisciplinary team – including Stanford’s medical and engineering departments – demonstrated the feasibility of IFOS’ innovative PIC-based platform. The team not only accomplished all technical objectives but went beyond with an in-depth exploration of the commercial potential and end use of the IFOS innovations through direct interaction with over 100 potential customers and users. This is expected to significantly enhance and accelerate the go-to-market process. Phase 2 builds on the solid technical and commercial foundations to complete the R&D and transform the feasibility results into a portable, multifunctional, reliable and commercially viable product (Bio*Sense™) ready for production. IFOS’ team of medical experts and advisors will accelerate the regulatory and go-to-market processes. Strong evidence of commercial viability is indicated by the endorsement of medical community experts and attainment of investment commitment for Phases 2/3.

Benefits: Bio*Sense™ is designed to support NASA’s astronaut health monitoring goals for long-duration manned spaceflight. Mission controllers and flight crew will have increased confidence that potential health issues can be detected early and proactively, well before becoming acute, thereby supporting astronaut health maintenance and mission focus.

The Bio*Sense™ platform is an integrated photonic system for the analysis of protein and creatinine levels in whole blood for kidney health assessment and related challenges (e.g., ulcers). It will provide portable, affordable, real-time, high-accuracy measurement capabilities for point-of-care use in human, veterinary and agricultural applications. The product will be a stand-alone device including photonics, microfluidics, and microelectronics.