Photodegradation kinetics for bilirubin sensing: New solutions for old problems

Abstract

Blood bilirubin levels monitoring is essential for the management of liver disease and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Whilst highly accurate, the existing bilirubin measurement techniques do not lend themselves to point-of-care (PoC) applications. To address this challenge, PoC devices using optical methods (mainly transcutaneous technique), have been demonstrated for bilirubin levels determination. Beyond its distinct absorption features used for optical measurements, bilirubin is known for its unique property of a non-catalytic degradation under blue light illumination. This is indeed the basis of blue light phototherapy used to treat or alleviate neonatal jaundice. This work investigates th..