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

Authors: Mingyu Sang, Myeongki Cho, Selin Lim, In Sik Min, Yuna Han, Chanwoo Lee, Jongwoon Shin, Kukro Yoon, Woon-Hong Yeo, Taeyoon Lee, Sang Min Won, Youngmee Jung, Yun Jung Heo, Ki Jun Yu

Published: 2023-05-31

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh1765

Source: Full article


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.