Continuous glucose monitoring with a flexible biosensor and wireless data acquisition system

Abstract

Glucose is a central substance in the human metabolism, and its concentration in human body fluid can reflect various diseases and organ malfunctions. We demonstrate a thin, flexible sensor and an associated wireless readout integrated circuit (IC) that can be used to continuously monitor glucose level over a very wide glucose concentration range. The sensor is fabricated on flexible and robust graphene petals deposited on thin carbon fibers with biocompatible materials. Graphene petals offer sensitivity of 5.67 mu AmM-1 cm(-2) with a sensing range from 2 mu M to 66 mM. Mechanical properties of the graphene petals provide a sensor lifetime exceeding four weeks. The readout IC harvests magnetic energy from a nearby power source, acquires glucose information, and wirelessly transmits data to the user. Linearity of analog/digital circuit blocks are verified by amperometric glucose measurements while consuming less than 21 mu W. The sensor and readout system can be readily integrated with other sensors or drug-delivery actuators for diagnosis and therapies for diabetes.