Wearable microneedle patch empowers conventional ultrasound for continuous glucose monitoring
Long-term diabetes management requires continuous blood glucose monitoring to detect abnormalities early and intervene in time. However, conventional fingertip blood sampling is both painful and inconvenient, while most continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) products currently available on the market rely on biological enzymes—requiring regular replacement, incurring higher costs and demanding…
Scientists from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have created a novel, enzyme-free microneedle patch called the ARMPatch, which can detect blood glucose levels using a standard ultrasound probe. This innovative device eliminates the need for painful finger pricks or costly enzymatic sensors, offering a more comfortable and cost-effective solution for long-term diabetes management.
The ARMPatch, developed by a team led by Prof. Su Zhongqing and Prof. Meng Long, consists of glucose-responsive hydrogel containing phenylboronic acid (PBA) microneedles. When applied to the skin, the microneedles swell in response to changes in blood glucose levels. By using ultrasound, the device can accurately track these fluctuations, providing a continuous and reliable readout of glucose concentration.
In laboratory tests, the ARMPatch demonstrated a strong linear response across a glucose range of 0–40 mM, maintaining stable readings for up to 56 days. This is a significant improvement over existing enzyme-based devices that require frequent replacement and are less reliable over extended periods. During in vivo studies, the patch successfully monitored blood glucose for seven consecutive days in a mouse model, showing no signs of inflammation or scarring on the skin after removal.
One of the key advantages of the ARMPatch is its compatibility with existing ultrasound devices commonly used for monitoring chronic conditions like heart disease and kidney disease. This means that patients can continue using their familiar equipment while gaining the benefits of continuous blood glucose monitoring without the need for additional hardware.
Moreover, the research team believes that the ARMPatch platform could be adapted to monitor other biomarkers, such as pH, proteins, and bacteria levels. By modifying the hydrogel composition, this versatile device could potentially become a comprehensive home health monitoring tool, providing a single solution for multiple physiological measurements through the use of customized hydrogel microneedles.
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