Investigation of paper-based sensor for sweat-based glucose detection using D-glucose solution

Abstract

Diabetes is known as one of the chronic diseases caused by the insufficient insulin produced by the pancreas to convert glucose into energy. Monitoring glucose level using glucometer is very crucial for every diabetic patient in order to avoid other health problems. However, this procedure is painful and can cause finger pricking anxiety for some of the diabetic patient. As a replacement for this uncomfortable glucose monitoring procedure, researchers have introduced an inexpensive and user-friendly non-invasive paper-based sensor. This research aimed to investigate the application of paper-based glucose detection using sweat, by utilizing D-glucose solution. Approximately, 50 μL of glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) enzyme and 1.67 μL of glucose sample had been utilized for small scale detection. The limit of detection for this kit was recorded at 15.63 mg/L concentration of D-glucose. A specific microfluidic design with 1 cm diameter sensor area was printed on filter paper using Xerox wax printer. Glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) enzyme was immobilized on filter paper in order to react with 1.67 μL different concentrations of D-glucose solution to mimic the proportion of glucose in human sweat. The intensity of the colour changes resulted from the reaction between D-glucose solution and GOD-POD enzyme was measured using spectrometer. The wavelength shift range in between 4.12 nm to 34.9 nm were observed. The linear graph showed a clear correlation between D-glucose concentration and the wavelength shift.