Achieving Nonenzymatic Blood Glucose Sensing by Uprooting Saturation
Ryan Taoran Wang1, Lory Wenjuan Yang1, Alex Fan Xu1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada.
Analytical Chemistry
|July 11, 2020
Summary
Saturation in nonenzymatic blood glucose sensors is caused by hydroxide ion concentration, not glucose levels. This breakthrough enables practical, enzyme-free glucose sensing with improved sensitivity and no saturation issues.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Biosensors
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Nonenzymatic blood glucose sensors face practical limitations due to saturation at low glucose levels.
- The underlying mechanism of this saturation has been a long-standing debate in the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the root cause of saturation in nonenzymatic blood glucose sensors.
- To develop a practical, enzyme-free nonenzymatic blood glucose sensing technology.
Main Methods:
- Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry were used to analyze sensor behavior.
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to study electrolyte interactions.
- Experiments were conducted with electrolytes at varying concentrations.
Main Results:
- Sensor saturation was definitively linked to hydroxide ion concentration, not glucose concentration.
- Optimal performance requires a hydroxide ion to glucose concentration ratio of 11:1.
- High pH conditions demonstrated satisfactory sensitivity, overcoming prior limitations.
Conclusions:
- The study resolves the debate on nonenzymatic glucose sensor saturation.
- A novel, enzyme-free nonenzymatic glucose sensing method has been established.
- This technology eliminates electrochemical current saturation and the need for enzymes.
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