The technology behind the sensor, described in a December 2009 issue of ACS Nano, is fundamentally different from existing sensors, says Michael Strano, Associate Professor at MIT, who developed this technology. The sensor is based on carbon nanotubes wrapped in a polymer that is sensitive to glucose concentrations. When this sensor encounters glucose, the nanotubes fluoresce, which can be detected by shining near-infrared light on them. Measuring the amount of fluorescence reveals the concentration of glucose.
The researchers plan to create an “ink” of these nanoparticles suspended in a saline solution that could be injected under the skin like a tattoo. The “tattoo” would last for a specified length of time, probably six months, before needing to be refreshed.
It was not long ago that Bayer described a glucometer that can be connected to a gaming devise that would make glucose measurement incentive driven. A glucose measuring instrument is used by diabetics to monitor their blood glucose. Bayer's glucometer connects directly to Nintendo DS™ and DS Lite gaming systems to help kids manage a lifelong disease by rewarding them for building consistent testing habits and meeting personalized blood glucose target ranges.
Are we going to see a merger of nanotechnology and gaming in revolutionizing health care?
Source for tatto based glucose sensing: MIT news office
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