Researchers develop an easier-to-wear glucose monitoring system for diabetics
Researchers have developed an innovative continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that could impact diabetes management. Led by Dr Shiming Zhang from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Hong Kong University, the multidisciplinary team has created a coin-sized, fully integrated wearable device that offers enhanced accuracy and comfort.
This OECT-CGM system utilises organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) to amplify biochemical signals, resulting in a significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to traditional electrochemical sensors.
The device features a microneedle array for minimally invasive interstitial fluid sampling, reducing discomfort during use, and a soft, adhesive hydrogel membrane that stabilises the skin-device interface and improves sensing reliability. A miniaturised readout system called PERfECT enables wireless communication with mobile devices. Measuring just 1.5 cm by 1.5 cm, the compact design offers superior wearability compared to existing CGM systems.
In both in vitro and in vivo tests, the OECT-CGM demonstrated performance comparable to commercial devices, with the added benefits of tuneable sensitivity and self-calibration capabilities. The research has been published in Science Advances, with Jing Bai, Dingyao Liu, and Xinyu Tian listed as the first co-authors. Also contributing to the research were Professor Aimin Xu from Hong Kong University’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Professor Zhen Gu and Dr Jinqiang Wang from Zhejiang University, and Dr Jixiang Zhu from Guangzhou Medical University.
Diabetes affects millions worldwide, and this innovation could provide a more effective and user-friendly tool for glucose monitoring, potentially improving quality of life for patients and enabling more precise diabetes care.
Professor Aimin Xu was a Croucher Senior Research Fellow in 2016. His Croucher profile can be read here.