Analytical measurements in small pulmonary vessels

Abstract

Micro-sensors and ultra small devices, the latter often discussed in the context of the field of nanotechnology, have attracted burgeoning interest in recent years. Michael Thompson in consultation with Flavio Coceani of Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento Sant’ Anna, Pisa, Italy, outlines the background and challenge represented by the design of sensors required for the quantitative determination of NO and CO in very small pulmonary vessels. The solution to this problem will require a highly interdisciplinary research effort involving micro-electronic or -optical fabrication, physiology, chemometrics and surface chemistry.