A membrane-free system for continuous glucose monitoring
Current internal sensors used for continuous glucose monitoring in diabetic patients rely on physical barriers to isolate the glucose, making them less responsive and adaptive. This technology is a membrane-free, graphene-based system that responds to glucose in a concentration-dependent manner and enables rapidly responsive, reliable, and continuous measurement of blood glucose levels. Development of this technology could help create the next generation of blood glucose monitors that are simple, fast, sensitive, and help diabetic patients monitor their blood glucose more easily and accurately.
Polymer functionalized graphene allows for continuous detection of blood glucose based on changes in conductance
This technology achieves membrane-free, continuous glucose monitoring by detecting miniscule changes in the conductance of graphene functionalized with a glucose sensitive polymer. In this system, the graphene is coated with a single layer of a polymer that can form transient interactions with glucose in solution. These polymer-glucose interactions alter the conductive properties of the graphene, allowing for sensitive, responsive, and continuous measurement of blood glucose. Additionally, because of its high sensitivity and rapid sensing capabilities, this technology has the potential for incorporation into a non-invasive contact lens-based sensor.
A prototype of this technology has been shown to be responsive to changes in glucose levels from 0 to 200 mg/dL, demonstrating the utility and applicability of this system for developing continuous glucose monitors.
Lead Inventor:
Applications:
- Sensor for internal, continuous glucose monitoring
- Membrane-free monitor for faster, real-time sensing
- External glucose-monitoring device for physicians and lab technicians testing patients’ blood samples
- Contact lens-based system would allow non-invasive testing
- Can interface with existing technologies such as insulin pumps or health monitors
Advantages:
- Does not require a membrane or other semi-permeable barrier for accurate measurements
- Allows for continuous, real-time monitoring of glucose levels
- Improved sensitivity over a wide range of glucose concentrations
- Simplified fabrication of device
- Can be used to develop less invasive glucose sensing devices
Patent Information:
Patent Pending (WO/2015/192064)
Patent Pending (WO/2016/205190)
Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU15153, IR CU14370, IR CU13180