Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new wearable biosensor that could significantly improve how glucose levels are monitored in people with diabetes. The technology combines microneedles, advanced catalytic materials and wireless data transmission, offering a potentially more accurate, less invasive and more affordable alternative to existing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.
The sensor, described in the journal The Analyst, measures glucose in the interstitial fluid surrounding cells rather than directly in the bloodstream. Using hollow microneedles and an integrated sensing platform, the system detects glucose levels and transmits the data wirelessly to a smartphone in real time.
According to Annie Du, research professor at WSU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and co-corresponding author of the study, the key innovation lies in signal amplification. “We were able to amplify the signal through our new single-atom catalyst and make sensors that are smaller, smarter, and more sensitive,” she explains. “This is the future and provides a foundation for being able to detect other disease biomarkers in the body.”
Addressing limitations
Glucose monitoring is essential for people with diabetes to prevent complications and maintain stable blood sugar levels. Current CGM systems rely on small needles inserted under the skin, which can cause irritation, rashes or inflammation. In addition, existing sensors are not always sensitive enough to reliably detect low biomarker levels.
The WSU team set out to overcome these limitations by redesigning both the sensing mechanism and the way samples are collected. Their solution uses a button-activated micro-pump and microneedle arrays that are less than one millimeter in length, significantly shorter than conventional glucose-monitoring needles.
Unlike many existing systems, the actual glucose analysis takes place outside the body. This reduces the risk of inflammation and lowers potential toxicity. “Ours is much more benign for customers and users,” says Kaiyan Qiu, Berry Assistant Professor in WSU’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and corresponding author on the study. “The hollow microneedles are painless and minimally invasive, making them next-generation medical devices,” Qiu adds.
Nanozymes boost sensitivity
A major strength of the new biosensor is its high sensitivity. The device uses single-atom catalysts and enzyme-like reactions, known as nanozymes, to enhance the glucose signal. This allows the sensor to detect very small concentrations of biomarkers. “The nanozymes make our signal much stronger and can detect a minimal amount of any biomarker,” Qiu explains.
The sensor itself is produced using 3D printing, which significantly reduces manufacturing costs compared to conventional glucose monitors. This could make the technology more accessible, especially as the U.S. CGM market is expected to grow rapidly, from $7.2 billion in 2024 to an estimated $26.8 billion by 2033.
Animal testing
The researchers have filed a provisional patent through WSU’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and are preparing for animal testing. They are also exploring whether the platform can be expanded to detect multiple biomarkers simultaneously.
For Yonghao Fu, co-first author and PhD student, the broader ambition is clear. “My goal is to make advanced sensing technology more practical for everyday health care,” he says. “I enjoy working on a project that can combine different technologies so that we can take advantage of their strengths.” If successful, the biosensor could mark an important step toward more patient-friendly, data-driven monitoring. Not only for diabetes, but potentially for a wide range of chronic conditions.
Continuous glucose monitoring
Last year, researchers at UC San Diego developed an innovative wearable wristband that can continuously monitor both blood glucose levels and heart health. The device combines a painless microneedle array that samples interstitial fluid to measure glucose, lactate and alcohol, with ultrasonic sensors that assess blood pressure and arterial stiffness, as well as ECG electrodes for heart rate monitoring.
This integrated approach provides a comprehensive view of metabolic and cardiovascular status, beyond what conventional glucose monitors offer. Data are displayed in real time on a connected smartphone, allowing users to see how factors such as meals, alcohol, exercise and stress affect their physiology. In tests, the wristband’s measurements closely matched those of professional medical equipment. The researchers see strong potential for more personalized and proactive diabetes care, although further development and validation are still required.
