ImmUniverse releases short video on dermal open-flow microperfusion (dOFM)

At ImmUniverse we are investigating whether non-invasive technologies, specifically dermal open-flow microperfusion in the skin and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation in the gut, can be used as disruptive liquid biopsy technologies in a translational setting to establish specific disease signatures in the blood. Ultimately, the aim is to explore novel technologies to overcome current invasive approaches and improve patient compliance.

Take a closer look at the Dermal open-flow microperfusion (dOFM)

dOFM is a minimally invasive in-vivo technique that uses macroscopic probes placed in the dermis to sample interstitial fluid. The probes are inserted approximately 0.8mm deep and run parallel to the skin. A precise fluidic pump maintains a constant flow of perfusate within the probe at 1 µl/min. A special exchange area in the dermis allows exchange between perfusate and interstitial fluid, capturing a variety of tissue components, including lipophilic substances, large molecules such as antibodies and mobile cells. dOFM allows time-dependent processes to be monitored on an hourly basis, with each sampling session lasting up to 72 hours.

This can be repeated as required, facilitating baseline and pharmacodynamic response assessment following a stimulus such as treatment. Both dOFM and blood sampling are performed over 8 hours according to the defined sequence.

In the newly produced ImmUniverse clip, our members Thomas Birngruber from Joanneum Research and Dora Stölzl from University Hospital Kiel explain the method. Elliot Grünberg, who lives with atopic dermatitis, shares his personal experience of the method.

Have a look!