Issue 24, 2018

Towards a quantum cascade laser-based implant for the continuous monitoring of glucose

Abstract

Continuous glucose monitoring enables an improved disease management for people with diabetes. However, state-of-the-art, enzyme-based, minimally invasive sensors lose their sensitivity over time and have to be replaced periodically. Here, we present the in vitro investigation of a quantum cascade laser-based measurement scheme that conceptually should be applicable over elongated periods of time due to its reagent-free nature and may therefore be considered as an approach towards long-term implantation. The method uses a miniaturized optofluidic interface in transflection geometry to measure the characteristic mid-infrared absorption properties of glucose. A glucose sensitivity of 3.2 mg dL−1 is achieved in aqueous glucose solutions. While this sensitivity drops to 12 mg dL−1 in the presence of biologically plausible, maximum concentrations of other monosaccharides, it is still well within the medically acceptable range according to Parkes error grid analysis. With a response time of less than five minutes, our sensor should be able to react adequately fast to physiological changes in glucose concentration. Finally, no drift or deterioration was found during an extended, 42 days in vitro experiment. These results underline the potential of this technique for its conceivable applicability in vivo as a long-term glucose monitoring implant.

Graphical abstract: Towards a quantum cascade laser-based implant for the continuous monitoring of glucose

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
23 jul. 2018
Accepted
17 oct. 2018
First published
17 oct. 2018

Analyst, 2018,143, 6025-6036

Towards a quantum cascade laser-based implant for the continuous monitoring of glucose

K. Isensee, N. Müller, A. Pucci and W. Petrich, Analyst, 2018, 143, 6025 DOI: 10.1039/C8AN01382A

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