Minimal invasive glucose measurement prototype using micro needles and RF spectroscopy

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project was to develop the chipset for a product enabling pain-free glucose measurement for people with diabetes. The principles of protein-free glucose detection and extraction of interstitial fluid have been shown. The work performed has enabled several collaborations within the ICT community as well as the health care system and it has led to strong interactions with for instance Uppsala University and the Uppsala University Hospital as well as with a MEMS foundry since part of the manufacturing has been carried out in a Swedish volume production facility.

Expected results and effects

The project has enabled a small company to grow. In addition, it has fostered a number of collaborations between SMEs, institutes, universities and hospitals. The interface between life science and ICT have been strengthened as a bio-classed ICT laboratory was set up at Acreo. The lab is hence enabling further interactions, extended research and it is promoting collaboration between interdisciplinary fields. Important technical results from the project were e.g. proof-of-concept of glucose detection using RF spectroscopy and extraction of human interstitia using microneedles.

Planned approach and implementation

1) Design and processing of microneedles and sensor chip (Ascilion, Acreo, Silex, Uppsala University) 2) Development of RF electronics (Ascilion, Uppsala University) 3) Development of measurement software (Ascilion, Acreo) 4) System trials (Ascilion, Acreo, Uppsala Universitet, KTH) 5) IPR Investigation and protection of hollow micro needles with integrated RF sensor (Ascilion and patent law firms) 6) Design, synthesis, and experiment with glucose sensitive (Ascilion, Acreo Norrköping, Linköpings Universitet)