A Colorful and Continuous Glucose Tracking Device

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, IL, USA. Another newly developed device was created by a team of researchers. A continuous glucose tracking device that tells if your glucose level goes up and down by changing its color is currently creating a big buzz. It is somewhat similar to a test strip but the difference is it can be used to administer insulin automatically. At present, there are similar devices but, due to some restrictions and constant adjustments, this device is created for better reliability.

According to the researchers working on the project, the substance which changes color is basic and very economical. The material they used is called hydrogel. A square inch of hydrogel is sufficient for 25 people. It is bonded with boronic acid compounds, making the gel bloat and enlarge while glucose concentration grows.

Another element within is called a photonic crystal which acts similar to a mirror that reflects certain light wavelengths while the other wavelengths enter. When the gel expands, colors reflected change from blue to green to red. The sensor would be placed on the end of a fiber optic cable then intertwined into the bloodstream with IV’s, allowing you to check the patient’s insulin levels for a week or more.

Paul Braun and his team are responsible for this advancement. He is a professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois. Braun is also connected with the Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory and the Department of Chemistry and Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois. This production is recognized by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the University of Illinois.