Antidiabetic Close Loop Based on Wearable DNA-Hydrogel Glucometer and Implantable Optogenetic Cells

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus presents significant global health challenges, with current theranostic approaches facing limitations in long-term, on-demand insulin delivery.
• Existing systems often rely on rigid glucose sensors and external pumps, hindering seamless, continuous management of blood glucose levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel antidiabetic management system integrating advanced materials and optogenetic engineering for improved insulin delivery.
• To create a closed-loop system capable of continuous glucose monitoring and responsive insulin expression for type I diabetes treatment.

Main Methods:

• Printable metallo-nucleotide hydrogels were synthesized using oligonucleotides, carbon nanotubes, and glucose oxidase for continuous glucose sensing.
• Optogenetic engineering enabled glucose-regulated insulin expression in type I diabetic mice, activated by far-red light.
• A microchip-integrated microneedle patch and wireless controller formed a closed-loop system for on-demand insulin delivery.

Main Results:

• The conductive hydrogels demonstrated continuous glucose monitoring across a wide concentration range (0.5-40 mM).
• Optogenetically engineered cells provided insulin expression for up to a month in diabetic mice, controlled by far-red light.
• The prototyped closed-loop system achieved on-demand insulin expression for several weeks, demonstrating effective glucose regulation.

Conclusions:

• This novel system offers a promising alternative to current diabetes management, utilizing printable hydrogels and optogenetics for precise, long-term glucose control.
• The developed technology paves the way for next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic systems in personalized and digitalized precision medicine for diabetes.