Wireless monitoring of blood glucose levels in flatfish with a needle biosensor

Abstract

A wireless biosensor system was developed for the continuous measurement of blood glucose levels in flatfish. The biosensor was implanted in the interstitial fluid under the scleral surface of the eyeball (EISF) to investigate the relationship between EISF and blood glucose levels. EISF glucose levels were found to be correlated with those in the blood and to be approximately the same as blood glucose levels in the range of 7–25 mg dl−1. A needle-type biosensor was prepared for the continuous EISF glucose monitoring in flatfish. A working electrode was constructed using platinum iridium wire, and glucose oxidase was immobilized to the electrode. The biosensor was inserted into the EISF of flatfish for sensor implantation. A 650-mV potential (vs. Ag/AgCl) was applied by a wireless potentiostat to the working electrode for the amperometric glucose measurement. We investigated whether glucose in the EISF can be determined in vivo. The estimated glucose levels using a one-point calibration method were correlated with actual blood glucose levels. In conclusion, using a wireless biosensor system, we were able to monitor blood glucose levels in flatfish under free-swimming conditions for 16 h.