Pioneering Device Landscape Shift Through Interdisciplinary Expertise

Glucose monitoring technology has evolved significantly from the original 3-pound devices in the early 1970s to the cutting-edge work being conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University today. The current focus is on developing a fully injectable continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that is so tiny that researchers compare it to the size of a grain of rice. According to a recent news release published by EurekaAlert!, Texas A&M University aims to create a user-friendly, minimally-invasive device that ensures continuous glucose monitoring without the inconveniences of existing models.

Two faculty members, Dr Gerard Coté and Dr Melissa Grunlan, from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University, who secured a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to fund their multidisciplinary research endeavor, are leading this initiative. The grant is part of the biosensing program within the NSF Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems Division, which aims to support groundbreaking research and education in these fields.

The proposed CGM involves an injectable sensor the size of a grain of rice and a wearable watch-type reader device. The sensor is placed under the skin, and the watch-like device analyzes it using light to determine glucose concentration. This information is transmitted to a cell phone, allowing users to share real-time results with their health care providers. Notably, the technology incorporates an optical sensing approach designed to address challenges associated with biosensing in individuals with darker skin tones.

The chemistry of the injectable sensor utilizes autofluorescence for glucose concentration measurement. The unique chemistry emits a fluorescent color in the red and infrared range, making it particularly suitable for individuals with darker skin tones. The reader device, developed by Dr Coté's lab, sends light to the sensor and measures the fluorescence, providing accurate glucose concentration readings.

Dr Grunlan is focused on protecting the sensor within the body. Her lab is developing a hydrogel membrane similar to that used in contact lenses but with thermoresponsive properties. This membrane allows the sensor to adapt subtly within the body, preventing the formation of obstructive scar tissue around it. The thermoresponsive nature of the membrane ensures it actively swells and shrinks, preventing cells and proteins from adhering to the sensor.

The recently patented membrane technology has broader applications beyond glucose monitoring. Grunlan envisions its use in various medical devices prone to adhesion processes in the body, such as catheters, to prevent thrombosis and infection by impeding the accumulation of proteins, cells, and organisms.

This collaborative research, coupled with Dr Coté's biosensing expertise and Dr Grunlan's biomaterial expertise, can potentially change the device landscape for patients with diabetes. Their interdisciplinary approach and complementary skills have been essential in tackling the complexities of developing such advanced medical technologies.

Reference

Miniature device offers peace of mind for diabetics. EurekAlert! Published November 17, 2023. Accessed November 17, 2023. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1008477