A new wearable biosensor developed by researchers at Washington State University (WSU) promises to enhance glucose monitoring for individuals with diabetes. This innovative technology aims to provide a more cost-effective, accurate, and less invasive alternative to existing continuous glucose monitoring systems.
The WSU team has crafted a user-friendly sensor that employs microneedles and advanced sensors to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid surrounding cells. This method allows for real-time data transmission to smartphones, offering a significant improvement over traditional glucose monitors. The findings were published in the journal Analyst.
Annie Du, a research professor in WSU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, noted, “We were able to amplify the signal through our new single-atom catalyst and make sensors that are smaller, smarter, and more sensitive.” Du believes this technology not only enhances glucose monitoring but also lays a foundation for detecting other disease biomarkers in the body.
Advancements in Glucose Monitoring Technology
Effective glucose level measurement is critical for diabetes management, helping patients maintain their health and prevent complications. Currently, continuous glucose monitors often require the insertion of small needles, which can lead to skin irritation or rashes due to the chemical processes involved. Additionally, many existing devices lack the sensitivity necessary for accurate readings.
The WSU researchers utilized 3D printing to produce their biosensor, making it relatively inexpensive compared to conventional monitors. The device operates using a button-activated pump and tiny hollow microneedles that extract fluid from beneath the skin’s surface for analysis. Unlike traditional glucose monitoring methods, this approach minimizes inflammation and discomfort, as the testing occurs externally, reducing potential toxicity for patients.
Kaiyan Qiu, an assistant professor in WSU’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and a corresponding author on the study, emphasized the advantages of their design. “Ours is much more benign for customers and users,” he stated. The hollow microneedles measure less than a millimeter in length, contrasting sharply with conventional glucose monitoring needles that are several times longer.
According to Qiu, “The hollow microneedles are painless and minimally invasive, making them next-generation medical devices.” The advanced sensitivity of the glucose monitor is attributed to the use of a single-atom catalyst alongside enzymatic reactions known as nanozymes. This combination significantly enhances the detection capabilities of the device, allowing it to identify even minimal amounts of various biomarkers.
Future Prospects and Market Potential
The researchers have filed a provisional patent with the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and are preparing to conduct animal testing on their glucose monitors. They are also exploring the potential for the technology to simultaneously measure additional biomarkers.
The market for continuous glucose monitors in the United States is projected to experience substantial growth, with revenue expected to increase from $7.2 billion in 2024 to $26.8 billion by 2033. This trend indicates a growing demand for innovative solutions in diabetes management.
“My goal is to make advanced sensing technology more practical for everyday healthcare,” said Yonghao Fu, a PhD student in WSU’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and co-first author of the research. Fu expressed enthusiasm for developing a project that integrates various technologies to leverage their strengths effectively.
Funding for this groundbreaking research came from the National Science Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the demand for more effective glucose monitoring tools continues to rise, WSU’s biosensor could play a pivotal role in transforming diabetes care.
For further information, contact:
Annie Du, WSU’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, 509-335-3224, [email protected]
Kaiyan Qiu, WSU School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, 509-335-3223, [email protected]
Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture Communications, 509-335-5095, [email protected]
