Glucose Sensing with Phenylboronic Acid Functionalized Hydrogel-Based Optical Diffusers.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Chemical Sensors
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Phenylboronic acids in hydrogels can bind glucose, causing volume changes.
• Current glucose sensing methods using these materials are complex and slow to fabricate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and simple method for fabricating phenylboronic acid-functionalized hydrogels for glucose sensing.
• To create a wearable glucose sensing platform with a smartphone-based readout.

Main Methods:

• Microimprinting was used to create optical diffuser structures on phenylboronic acid hydrogel films.
• Laser-inscribed microlenses on the hydrogel altered light diffusion based on glucose-induced volumetric changes.
• A contact lens sensor with the hydrogel was tested on an artificial eye, with measurements taken via a smartphone photodiode and app.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel sensor demonstrated quantitative measurement of glucose concentrations under physiological conditions.
• The system successfully translated light intensity variations into glucose concentration values using a smartphone app.
• The fabricated sensor showed potential for real-time biomarker monitoring.

Conclusions:

• The microimprinting method offers a low-cost, rapid fabrication approach for glucose-responsive hydrogels.
• The developed sensing platform provides an easy detection scheme suitable for point-of-care applications.
• This technology holds promise for wearable, real-time glucose monitoring devices.