Andreas Fercher

Title: Innovations of Andreas Fercher in Oxygen Monitoring

Introduction

Andreas Fercher is a notable inventor based in Cork, Ireland. He has made significant contributions to the field of biomedical engineering, particularly in the area of oxygen monitoring in live mammalian cells. With a total of 2 patents, his work has the potential to advance research in cellular metabolism and related fields.

Latest Patents

Fercher's latest patents focus on innovative methods and probes for monitoring oxygen status in live mammalian cells. One of his inventions involves a method of determining oxygen concentration and metabolic activity using a photoluminescence quenching technique. This technique employs a photoluminescent probe that self-loads into the cells without the need for any loading reagent. The probe consists of polymeric particles that have an amphiphilic cationic polymer matrix, featuring a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic positively charged surface. The embedded hydrophobic oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye allows for accurate sensing of oxygen levels within the cells.

Another patent by Fercher also utilizes photoluminescent probes for intracellular sensing of oxygen. This invention is based on a suspension of polymeric particles with an average diameter ranging from 20 nm to 100 nm. The particles are formed from an amphiphilic cationic co-polymer, which provides a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic shell. The hydrophobic oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye, such as Pt-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphine, is embedded in the hydrophobic core. This innovative approach allows for the passive loading of probe particles into live mammalian cells, enabling the detection of photoluminescent signals that correlate with oxygen status.

Career Highlights

Andreas Fercher is affiliated with University College Cork, where he continues to develop his research and innovations. His work has garnered attention for its potential applications in medical diagnostics and cellular research.

Collaborations

Fercher has collaborated with notable researchers in his field, including Dmitri Boris Papkovsky and Ingo Klimant. These collaborations have further enhanced the impact of his inventions and contributed to advancements in oxygen monitoring technologies.

Conclusion

Andreas Fercher's innovative work in the field of oxygen monitoring represents a significant advancement in biomedical engineering. His patents provide valuable tools for researchers studying cellular metabolism and oxygen