We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Paper-Based Biosensor System to Detect Glucose Using Sweat Could Revolutionize Diabetes Management

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 17 Dec 2024

Millions of individuals with diabetes monitor their glucose levels daily using finger-stick devices that draw and analyze blood. More...

But imagine if this could be done with just a sweat sensor. This is the concept behind new research that could change diabetes management by eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional methods.

Traditional glucose monitoring systems use enzymatic reactions with blood samples, but these methods are not shelf-stable, making them difficult to store and ship. The self-replicating properties of bacteria, however, offer a potential solution. Researchers at Binghamton University (New York, NY, USA) have developed a new paper-based biosensor system that uses Bacillus subtilis bacterial spores, which germinate in response to glucose in potassium-rich fluids like sweat. The power generated by the spores indicates the glucose level, and the system can withstand harsh environments, activating only when the right conditions are met. This novel approach could transform diabetes management by eliminating the need for painful finger-stick blood samples.

The research team had previously used paper as a platform to create detectors for lead ions in seawater. Their earlier work also includes integrating biobatteries into 3D-printed circuits, creating devices that generate moisture from the air, and designing self-powered mechanical bugs for collecting ocean data. In light of the current global energy crisis, using bacteria to generate power presents a promising, sustainable solution. Since the biosensor is paper-based and disposable, it is cost-effective and simple to use. After publishing their findings in the journal Microsystems & Nanoengineering, the researchers are now working on refining the detection process further.

“Everyone has a different potassium concentration in their sweat, and I don’t know how this concentration affects the glucose,” said Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi, who adapted the knowledge of biobatteries gained in his Bioelectronics and Microsystems Lab over the past 15 years to build the paper-based biosensor system. “The sensitivity also is lower than conventional enzymatic biosensors. But from this work, we created a new sensing mechanism to detect glucose. No one has done that yet.”


New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Gold Member
Cardiovascular Risk Test
Metabolic Syndrome Array I & II
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
Multichem ID-B
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Pancreas cells (left) showing early stages of malignant cancer in brown and same cells stained blue (right) indicate they are Integrin β3 (ITGB3) positive (Photo courtesy of UC San Diego Health Sciences)

Gene Signature Could Serve as Early Warning System for Aggressive Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of cancer, with early detection remaining a major challenge. Precancerous cells must overcome significant stress and... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The 3D paper-based analytical device has shown high clinical accuracy for adult-onset immunodeficiency (Photo courtesy of National Taiwan University)

Paper-Based Device Accurately Detects Immune Defects in 10 Minutes

Patients with hidden immune defects are especially vulnerable to severe and persistent infections, often due to autoantibodies that block interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), a key molecule in immune defense.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The groundbreaking salmonella antimicrobial resistance prediction platform has demonstrated 95% accuracy (Photo courtesy of Yujie You et al., DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2025.01.013)

New Platform Leverages AI and Quantum Computing to Predict Salmonella Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella strains are a growing public health concern due to the overuse of antimicrobials and the rise of genetic mutations. Accurate prediction of resistance is crucial for effective... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.