Researchers hope to transform diabetes management by eliminating the pain and hassle. The paper-based biosensor system uses Bacillus subtilis bacterial spores that germinate in response to glucose in potassium-rich bodily fluids, such as sweat. The amount of power generated would determine the glucose level.

A new paper-based biosensor system uses bacterial spores that germinate in response to glucose in potassium-rich bodily fluids, such as sweat. (Credit: Binghamton University)

“Everyone has a different potassium concentration in their sweat, and I don’t know how this concentration affects the glucose,” says Prof. Seokheun “Sean” Choi. “The sensitivity also is lower than conventional enzymatic biosensors. But from this work, we created a new sensing mechanism to detect glucose. No one has done that yet.”

Current glucose monitoring systems rely on enzymatic reactions to blood droplets, but those methods are not shelf-stable for easy shipment or storage. The self-replicating nature of the bacteria also ensures longevity.

“The problem with using enzymes is that they denature and deactivate,” Choi says. “You need to store it in a refrigerator, but even then, their potency goes down over time. Our spore-based system can endure very harsh environments and activates only when the right conditions are met.”

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