Fluorescent-based biodegradable microneedle sensor array for tether-free continuous glucose monitoring with smartphone application

Sci Adv. 2023 Jun 2;9(22):eadh1765. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adh1765. Epub 2023 May 31.

Abstract

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) allows patients with diabetes to manage critical disease effectively and autonomously and prevent exacerbation. A painless, wireless, compact, and minimally invasive device that can provide CGM is essential for monitoring the health conditions of freely moving patients with diabetes. Here, we propose a glucose-responsive fluorescence-based highly sensitive biodegradable microneedle CGM system. These ultrathin and ultralight microneedle sensor arrays continuously and precisely monitored glucose concentration in the interstitial fluid with minimally invasive, pain-free, wound-free, and skin inflammation-free outcomes at various locations and thicknesses of the skin. Bioresorbability in the body without a need for device removal after use was a key characteristic of the microneedle glucose sensor. We demonstrated the potential long-term use of the bioresorbable device by applying the tether-free CGM system, thus confirming the successful detection of glucose levels based on changes in fluorescence intensity. In addition, this microneedle glucose sensor with a user-friendly designed home diagnosis system using mobile applications and portable accessories offers an advance in CGM and its applicability to other bioresorbable, wearable, and implantable monitoring device technology.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Glucose
  • Humans
  • Mobile Applications*
  • Smartphone

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glucose