Abstract
We report a paper-based self-powered sensor patch for prevention and management of exercise-induced hypoglycemia. The article describes the fabrication, in vitro, and in vivo characterization of the sensor for glucose monitoring in human sweat. This wearable, non-invasive, single-use biosensor integrates a vertically stacked, paper-based glucose/oxygen enzymatic fuel cell into a standard Band-Aid adhesive patch. The paper-based device attaches directly to skin, wicks sweat by using capillary forces to a reservoir where chemical energy is converted to electrical energy, and monitors glucose without external power and sophisticated readout instruments. The device utilizes (1) a 3-D paper-based fuel cell configuration, (2) an electrically conducting microfluidic reservoir for a high anode surface area and efficient mass transfer, and (3) a direct electron transfer between glucose oxidase and anodes for enhanced electron discharge properties. The developed sensor shows a high linearity of current at 0.02–1.0 mg/mL glucose centration (R2 = 0.989) with a high sensitivity of 1.35 µA/mM.
Highlights
Regular physical exercise benefits patients with diabetes
While endogenous insulin secretion decreases during or after exercise under normal physiologic conditions, diabetics with a loss of insulin secretory capacity can be put in a severe situation because of hypoglycemia, defined as a blood glucose level below 0.7 mg/mL [6]
This was the first application of self-powered glucose monitoring technology for a disposable, inexpensive paper-based device platform
Summary
Regular physical exercise benefits patients with diabetes. Physical activity provides effective diabetes management, decreases risk of cardiovascular disease, and improves body composition [1,2]. Today’s most widespread methods for glucose self-testing involves monitoring the blood glucose levels. Such techniques use a lancet device to manually prick the skin for the blood sample. The conventional measurements are not suitable for preventing hypoglycemia during exercise This is because (i) the underlying process relies on invasive and inconvenient blood sampling, causing the possibility of sample contamination and skin irritation with sweat containing various electrolytes and proteins, (ii) the method needs patients to carry many accessories during physical activity (e.g., jogging), including lancets, alcohol swabs, and a relatively large glucometer, and (iii) the technique requires a Micromachines 2017, 8, 265; doi:10.3390/mi8090265 www.mdpi.com/journal/micromachines. A conductive nickel spray was purchased from MG Chemicals (Burlington, ON, Canada) for the cathode
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