In vivo real-time ethanol vapor detection in the interstitial fluid of a Wistar rat using piezoresistive microcantilevers

Abstract

Real-time, in vivo measurements were taken in the interstitial fluid of a Wistar rat after administering 2.5g∕kg ethanol by intraperitoneal injection. A low-power piezoresistive microcantilever sensor array was used with polymer coatings suitable for measuring ethanol concentrations at 100% humidity over several hours. A hydrophobic, vapor permeable nanopore membrane was used to screen liquid and ions while allowing vapor to pass to the sensor that was implanted into the saline environment presented by the interstitial fluid. The real-time measurements followed the time scale of previous blood ethanol concentration data.