Smart tattoo will measure the level of sugar in the blood

Now all the people who suffer from diabetes have to control blood sugar levels. Of course, there are special devices which perform the measurements automatically, but still can not avoid injections and blood sampling. But recently, scientists have unveiled a system that will help to monitor the level of sugar without injuries and cuts, simply by using a special sensor and a special tattoo.

For the development of responsible experts of the Institute of theoretical and experimental Biophysics RAS, together with his colleagues from England and Germany. The principle is simple: the enzyme glucose oxidase is “Packed” in special microcapsules implanted under the skin. It oxidizes glucose and the products of this reaction interact with luminescent dye that makes up the tattoo. The glow of the tattoo and can determine the level of glucose.

In fact, the “smart tattoo,” registers the level of fluctuations of glucose in the blood, and the glow of the tattoo is recorded by the optical sensor, which signals to the user about what he has at the moment, sugar level. Over time, the enzyme ends and the microcapsules disintegrate. But one “application”, according to the authors, enough for about 1 year, which is much preferable to regular injections.

It is worth noting that at the moment the new technology is only one drawback: the production of microcapsules is not possible to automate. In the manufacture they tend to stick together, forcing you to control each step of the manufacturing process under the microscope and treating them with ultrasound. It is hoped that scientists will be able to overcome this technological disadvantage, because such microcapsules, in theory, can be used not only in the diagnosis of diabetes, but also for the treatment of diseases requiring regular drug administration.

Smart tattoo will measure the level of sugar in the blood
Vladimir Kuznetsov


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