Millions of people with diabetes rely on finger-stick devices to monitor their blood sugar levels, a process that involves pricking their fingers daily.

But researchers at Binghamton University are developing a revolutionary way to monitor glucose levels—using sweat instead of blood. This new approach could make diabetes management easier, cheaper, and pain-free.

The innovative sensor, created by Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi and his team at Binghamton’s Bioelectronics and Microsystems Lab, uses a paper-based biosensor powered by bacterial spores.

These spores, from the bacteria Bacillus subtilis, react to glucose in potassium-rich fluids like sweat. The bacteria generate power when exposed to glucose, and this power level indicates the user’s glucose levels.

A game-changing system

Traditional glucose monitoring devices rely on enzymes that break down over time and require refrigeration for storage.

This makes them inconvenient for long-term use or easy transport. The new system, however, avoids these problems.

“Enzymes deactivate and lose potency, even in refrigerators,” Choi explained. “Our spore-based system is long-lasting, only activating under the right conditions, and it can endure harsh environments.”

The research was published in the journal Microsystems & Nanoengineering and involved Assistant Professor Anwar Elhadad, Ph.D. student Yang “Lexi” Gao, and Choi. The team combined their expertise in biobatteries, chemistry, and electrical engineering to bring the device to life.

For Gao, this project builds on her background in chemistry. Originally from China, she joined Binghamton during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, where she found mentorship and support in Choi’s lab.

Her previous work included creating paper-based detectors for seawater contamination, and she quickly adapted those skills to “papertronics”—devices made from paper with electronic capabilities.

“I want to do research that makes the world better,” Gao said. “Using bacteria to generate power is clean, sustainable, and affordable. With this glucose sensor, we’re developing something that could truly help people.”

Gao also learned more about electrical engineering while working with Elhadad, who taught her how to design circuits for the device. “I can’t always rely on others, so I’ve started taking online courses to learn more about building circuits myself,” she said.

The team is now focused on improving the sensor’s accuracy. People’s potassium levels in sweat vary, which could affect how glucose is detected. Additionally, the device isn’t as sensitive as traditional enzymatic sensors. Still, the research lays the foundation for a completely new way to monitor glucose.

“No one has done this before,” Choi said. “We’ve created a new mechanism for detecting glucose, and this is just the beginning.”

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