Strathclyde: Noninvasive system for monitoring glucose levels and other molecules in blood

Licensing opportunity | Development opportunity

Scientists at Strathclyde University, Scotland, has 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.

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 the detection and 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.

This device promises increased convenience due to non-invasive nature of the device. 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 multiparameter, it has the capability to extract a number of other blood analytes, for example, lactate in sports applications.

Strathclyde is looking for partners interested in developing, licensing or exploiting this technology.