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Non-invasive, reverse iontophoresis blood measurement device
Thursday 17th September 2009
Iontophophoresis. Courtesy: http://www.allcareortho.com/iontophoresis.htm
Scientists at Strathclyde University, Scotland, have developed noninvasive transdermal patient monitoring technology that is capable of detecting and measuring, either intermittently or continuously, one or more small molecules, for example, glucose and lactate, in real time. The technique uses reverse iontophoresis and works by extracting the molecules from the patient with a small gel electrode situated on the skin.
Under the leadership of Professor Patricia Connolly (right) and her researchers, the technology consists of a fully programmable, reverse iontophoresis device to which screen printed, gel-coated electrodes are attached.
Preliminary studies in human volunteers looking at detection/ measurement of glucose and lactate suggested that the device could accurately and reproducibly detect glucose through the skin.
The skin electrode/biosensor system will soon be capable of detecting and measuring glucose and lactate in real time.
The device promises increased convenience due to its non-invasive nature. It is also portable and can extract a number of blood-circulating molecules for a wide variety of analytical uses. It could be used at home, or in clinic and hospitals.
Since the device is programmable and multi-parameter, it has the capability to extract a number of other blood analytes, for example, lactate in sports applications.
Strathclyde University is looking for partners interested in developing, licensing or exploiting this technology.
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