3D‑printed Glucose Biosensor for Painless Diabetes Monitoring

A 3D‑printed glucose biosensor for use in wearable monitors has been created by WashingtonState University researchers. This work could lead to improved glucose monitors for millions of people who suffer from diabetes. People with diabetes most commonly monitor their disease with glucose meters that require constant finger pricking. Continuous glucose monitoring systems are also available, but they are not cost effective. Researchers have been working to develop wearable, flexible electronics that can conform to patients’skin and monitor the glucose in body fluids, such as in sweat. To build such sensors, manufacturers have used traditional manufacturing strategies, such as photolithography or screen printing. While these methods work, they have several drawbacks. They need harmful chemicals and expensive cleanroom processing. They also create a lot of waste. Using 3D printing, the WSU research team developed a glucose monitor with much better stability and sensitivity than those manufactured through traditional methods. The researchers used a method called direct-ink-writing (DIW), that involves printing “inks” out of nozzles to create intricate and precise designs at tiny scales. The researchers printed out a nanoscale material that is electrically conductive to create flexible electrodes. The WSU team’s technique allows a precise application of the material, resulting in a uniform surface and fewer defects, which increases the sensor’s sensitivity. The researchers found that their 3D‑printed sensors did better at picking up glucose signals than the traditionally produced electrodes. Because it uses 3D printing, their system is also more customizable for the variety of people’s biology. 3D printing can enable manufacturing of biosensors tailored specifically to individual patients. Because the 3D printing uses only the amount of material needed, there is also less waste in the process than traditional manufacturing methods. This can potentially bring down the cost. Since this is a noninvasive, needleless technique for glucose monitoring, it will be easier for children’s glucose monitoring. The team is now working to integrate the sensors into a packaged system that can be used as a wearable device for long‑term glucose monitoring.