University of Washington biotech spinout Opticyte has landed $2.9 million in federal grants and $1.7 million in seed funding. The Seattle startup is developing a non-invasive technology that can detect oxygen levels in cells in real time.
The Opticyte Cell O2 Monitor could help in the treatment of sepsis, which is an infection that runs amuck and can cause organs to shut down, resulting in death. If a sepsis patient sees their cellular oxygen levels drop, it can be an indication of the onset of organ failure.