Sensor powered by body’s sugar hits sweet spot for diabetes monitoring
发布时间：2024年6月4日 07:43
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A schematic for the electronic biosensor, which is powered by the body's glucose (Credit: © 2019 KAUST/ Heno Hwang)
An electronic sensor powered by glucose in bodily fluids could monitor key health indicators for people with conditions such as diabetes.
An electronic sensor powered by glucose in bodily fluids could monitor key health indicators for people with conditions such as diabetes.
Developed by researchers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, the ‘biosensor’ could be an alternative to conventional health monitors for indicators such as blood sugar levels.
“Quick, accurate and early detection of abnormalities in metabolism is of paramount importance to monitor, control and prevent many diseases, including diabetes,” said PhD student David Ohayon. “Today's glucose monitors are mainly limited to finger-pricking devices, which are often painful.”
Implantable glucose-sensing devices are in development, but the researchers said batteries in other projects complicate implantation and must eventually be recharged or replaced. Implantable polymer biosensors powered by the molecules around them could be an “ideal” alternative, they said.
The new device pairs an electron-transporting polymer with an enzyme that extracts electrons from its reaction with glucose to drive its circuitry. The n-type semiconductor polymer is coupled with the glucose oxidase enzyme, which extracts electrons from its reaction with glucose.
The team used the polymer in a transistor to sense glucose levels in saliva. They also used it as one half of an all-polymer fuel cell using glucose as an energy source to drive the device.
“Glucose sensing and power generation are only two examples of the applications possible when a synthetic polymer communicates effectively with a catalytic enzyme like glucose oxidase,” said Sahika Inal, who led the research with colleague Georgios Nikiforidis. “Our main aim was to show the versatile chemistry and novel applications of this special water-stable polymer class.”
The research was published in Nature Materials.
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“Quick, accurate and early detection of abnormalities in metabolism is of paramount importance to monitor, control and prevent many diseases, including diabetes,” said PhD student David Ohayon. “Today's glucose monitors are mainly limited to finger-pricking devices, which are often painful.”
Implantable glucose-sensing devices are in development, but the researchers said batteries in other projects complicate implantation and must eventually be recharged or replaced. Implantable polymer biosensors powered by the molecules around them could be an “ideal” alternative, they said.
The new device pairs an electron-transporting polymer with an enzyme that extracts electrons from its reaction with glucose to drive its circuitry. The n-type semiconductor polymer is coupled with the glucose oxidase enzyme, which extracts electrons from its reaction with glucose.
The team used the polymer in a transistor to sense glucose levels in saliva. They also used it as one half of an all-polymer fuel cell using glucose as an energy source to drive the device.
“Glucose sensing and power generation are only two examples of the applications possible when a synthetic polymer communicates effectively with a catalytic enzyme like glucose oxidase,” said Sahika Inal, who led the research with colleague Georgios Nikiforidis. “Our main aim was to show the versatile chemistry and novel applications of this special water-stable polymer class.”
The research was published in Nature Materials.
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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