For millions of people with diabetes, daily glucose monitoring often involves painful finger-stick tests to draw blood for analysis.
But researchers at Binghamton University are exploring a revolutionary alternative: a sweat sensor that could make diabetes management easier and less intrusive.
This innovative system, developed by Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi and his team, uses a paper-based biosensor powered by bacterial spores to measure glucose levels in sweat.
Their findings, recently published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering, could pave the way for a painless, low-cost solution to glucose monitoring.
How It Works
The technology relies on Bacillus subtilis bacterial spores, which germinate in response to glucose in potassium-rich fluids like sweat. The spores generate power during this process, and the amount of energy produced indicates the glucose level.
Unlike current glucose monitors that depend on enzymatic reactions, which degrade over time and require refrigeration, the spore-based system is highly durable and shelf-stable, making it more practical for widespread use.
“The problem with enzymes is they lose potency and deactivate, even when refrigerated,” said Choi. “Our spore-based system can withstand harsh conditions and only activates under the right circumstances.”
The Inspiration and the Team
This research is an extension of the work done in Choi’s Bioelectronics and Microsystems Lab, where the team has been studying biobatteries for over 15 years. Collaborators include Assistant Professor Anwar Elhadad, Ph.D., and Ph.D. student Yang “Lexi” Gao, who joined Binghamton from China in 2021.
Gao brought her expertise in marine chemistry and paper-based detectors to the lab, where she has contributed to several projects, including 3D-printed circuits powered by biobatteries and self-powered mechanical devices for ocean data collection.
“I want to do research that makes the world better,” Gao said. “The idea of using bacteria to generate power is fascinating—it’s clean, sustainable, and affordable. This project combines my chemistry background with engineering, which allows me to help develop new solutions for real-world problems.”
Overcoming Challenges
While the technology is promising, it’s still in the early stages.
One challenge is the variability in potassium levels in sweat, which could affect glucose detection accuracy. Additionally, the sensitivity of the spore-based biosensor is currently lower than conventional enzymatic sensors.
“Everyone has a different potassium concentration in their sweat,” Choi explained. “We need to understand how this variability impacts glucose measurements and improve the sensor’s sensitivity. But this is an entirely new mechanism for glucose detection, and no one has done this before.”
To address these challenges, the team is refining the detection process and studying how different factors affect the sensor’s performance. Gao is also expanding her knowledge of electrical engineering by taking online courses and working closely with Elhadad to understand circuit design and integration.
The Bigger Picture
The potential impact of this research extends far beyond diabetes management. The team’s work on paper-based, disposable biosensors aligns with a broader vision of creating clean, sustainable, and affordable technologies that address global challenges, such as energy crises and healthcare access.
With their latest findings, Choi and his team have opened the door to a new era of glucose monitoring, offering hope for a future where managing diabetes is less painful and more accessible.
While there is still work to be done, this breakthrough brings the dream of painless, sweat-based glucose monitoring one step closer to reality.
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The research findings can be found in Microsystems & Nanoengineering.
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