Key Innovation
Wearable optics and injectable dyes enabled continuous kidney monitoring without blood draws.
Transdermal GFR Measurement
Client
MediBeacon
Practice Areas
Core Disciplines
Overview
MediBeacon partnered with Triple Ring to develop a photonics-based transdermal detection system designed to measure kidney function using fluorescent tracer technology. The system enables non-invasive monitoring of intravenously injected tracers to generate clinically actionable measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
The resulting wearable detection platform integrates optical sensing and physiological measurement technologies to support real-time kidney function assessment in clinical environments.
Challenge
MediBeacon required development of a wearable optical detection system capable of monitoring fluorescent tracer signals through human tissue. The system needed to achieve high sensitivity and accuracy while remaining comfortable and practical for clinical use.
In addition to performance requirements, the device needed to meet strict constraints related to cost, usability, and manufacturability. The development effort required careful balancing of optical performance, ergonomic design, and regulatory compliance within a wearable form factor.
Transdermal GFR Measurement
Overview
MediBeacon partnered with Triple Ring to develop a photonics-based transdermal detection system designed to measure kidney function using fluorescent tracer technology. The system enables non-invasive monitoring of intravenously injected tracers to generate clinically actionable measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
The resulting wearable detection platform integrates optical sensing and physiological measurement technologies to support real-time kidney function assessment in clinical environments.
Challenge
MediBeacon required development of a wearable optical detection system capable of monitoring fluorescent tracer signals through human tissue. The system needed to achieve high sensitivity and accuracy while remaining comfortable and practical for clinical use.
In addition to performance requirements, the device needed to meet strict constraints related to cost, usability, and manufacturability. The development effort required careful balancing of optical performance, ergonomic design, and regulatory compliance within a wearable form factor.
Client
MediBeacon
Practice Areas
Core Disciplines
Solution
Triple Ring collaborated closely with MediBeacon to design and deliver a non-invasive wearable detection system capable of supporting accurate GFR measurement. The development effort leveraged expertise in light-based tissue analysis and system-level modeling to optimize detection performance while supporting user comfort and clinical usability.
The team addressed these challenges by:
- Applying advanced photonics expertise to optimize signal detection through tissue
- Using modeling and simulation tools to refine optical system performance
- Designing wearable hardware that supported patient comfort during extended use
- Aligning development processes with clinical validation and regulatory expectations
Outcome
Fully integrated wearable GFR detection systems were developed under ISO 13485 design controls and delivered to support critical clinical trials. The resulting devices enabled accurate, non-invasive measurement of kidney function through optical detection of fluorescent tracers.
The platform supported the advancement of MediBeacon’s GFR monitoring technology toward clinical validation, enabling real-time physiological measurement while maintaining patient comfort and usability.
Triple Ring Talent
The Story Behind the Innovation
At Triple Ring, we draw on a deep bench of expertise across diverse disciplines matched to each innovation challenge. For this project, our team combined photonics, transdermal optical sensing, wearable device design, and advanced simulation expertise to develop a clinical-grade wearable system capable of measuring kidney function non-invasively through fluorescent tracer detection.
Gus and Ed collaborated with many talented colleagues across Triple Ring and MediBeacon on this project.
Gus Lowell
Systems Architecture & Electrical Engineering
Augustus “Gus” Lowell defines the architecture of complex software and hardware systems across multidisciplinary programs. His work establishes the frameworks that connect data processing, control, and safety-critical functions, helping ensure technologies operate reliably as integrated systems.
Ed Solomon
Electrical Engineering & Advanced Technologies
Ed Solomon connects advanced engineering with business strategy to help bring innovative technologies into practical use. His work supports system architecture, partnership development, and technology adoption, helping organizations move complex ideas toward successful deployment.
