Implantable glucose sensor developed by bioengineers
Thursday 29th July 2010
A team of bioengineers and biomedical scientists in the US have developed a glucose sensor that could be used in the treatment of diabetes.
Researchers from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and GlySens Incorporated have developed the implantable device which records glucose levels in the body.
The results from a successful trial using two pigs were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
Using an enzyme electrode, the sensor is able to detect glucose. The authors of the study explained that because the electrode is based on "differential electrochemical oxygen detection", it eliminates the problem of tissue encapsulation for more than 500 days. This has caused unpredictable readings in similar sensors in the past.
Dr David Gough, first author of the study and bioengineering professor at UCSD, commented: "That's a big step from a scientific point of view and it's due to the sensor's unique oxygen detection scheme."
He added that the researchers hope to be able to offer the device to diabetes patients in several years, following human clinical trials.
According to Diabetes UK, it is estimated that 2.6 million people suffer from the condition in Britain.
Written by Megan Smith
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