The nanoGUNE Nanoengineering Group has developed a new non-invasive technology that allows real-time control of the physiological risks of children during childbirth. This technology helps obstetricians make quick decisions, thereby reducing the number of caesareans performed worldwide.

The number of neonatal deaths is 4 million worldwide, of which 23% is caused by perinatal asphyxia. The decision to perform a caesarean section is primarily based on an invasive study of pH and blood lactate. For this study, a blood sample from the fetal head skin is used. Because the method used today does not work continuously, and also because it takes a long time to make measurements, many errors occur. The rate of caesareans is remarkably high; while the number of affected newborns does not change. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended not to exceed the 15% caesarean rate, the world average is around 22%, and in some countries it is as high as 40%. The WHO also says that although cesarean rates are above 10%, they have nothing to do with the death rates of mothers and newborns, quite the opposite.

“Our technology is based on a combination of Raman spectroscopy - a spectroscopy that has specific probes for each application - and a combination of multiparametric algorithms for machine learning that take into account the systemic picture of physiological changes or anomalies; , the basis for decision-making, ”explained Andreas Seifert, head of the nanoengineering team at nanoGUNE. "Raman spectroscopy is a very specific vibrational spectroscopy, and can detect changes in biochemical parameters directly or indirectly. Using machine learning and considering all biochemical changes, a much more sensitive and stable classification is obtained in pathological conditions and specific parameters related to perinatal asphyxia. in the forecast ". "With our technology," says Andreas Seifert, "we could reduce cesarean sections and health risks during childbirth, as well as the administrative costs and social and legal consequences that this entails."

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Researcher Ion Olaetxea is developing this project as part of his doctoral dissertation, highlighting the innovative and distinctive features of the technology: "We do not find direct competitors. in fact, this distinguishes us from current diagnostic methods. "

The idea of ​​following perinatal risk closely arose in a joint project. This project began in 2017, in collaboration with the Biodonostia Health Research Institute, and involves a multidisciplinary team of physicists, biologists, chemists, biomedical engineers and obstetricians. The aim of the project is to develop an optical device and specific data analysis software; systematic in vivo and in vitro experiments will also be developed. According to Ainara García, head of Technology Transfer at nanoGUNE, "the technology is now protected by a patent application and has a good level of training, which attracts private investors." “We are receiving calls for interest from venture capitalists who are attracted to our technology,” he added.