Biosensor-Fabricated Wooden Tongue Depressor Measures Glucose and Nitrite in Saliva
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 26 Apr 2023 |
Physicians often use tongue depressors to examine a patient's mouth and throat. However, it is hard to imagine that this simple wooden tool could actively assess a patient's health. This idea has led to the development of an eco-friendly disposable sensor that can measure glucose levels and other biomarkers in saliva.
Researchers at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA, Athens, Greece) have created this easy-to-produce device, which they believe could eventually help doctors diagnose various conditions. Wood is an attractive option for electronics and sensor design due to its renewable, biodegradable, and low-cost nature. However, its poor electrical conductivity poses challenges. One solution is to use wood as a passive substrate and coat it with metal and carbon-based inks. Another approach involves using high-power lasers to char specific regions of the wood, turning them into conductive graphite.
However, this complex technique requires advanced, costly instrumentation, an oxygen-free environment, and fire retardants. To create a more affordable and straightforward process, the researchers employed low-power diode lasers. These lasers have successfully been used to make polyimide-based sensors but have not previously been applied to wooden electronics and electrochemical sensors. The team utilized a portable, low-cost laser engraver to generate a pattern of conductive graphite electrodes on a wooden tongue depressor without the need for special conditions. These electrodes formed two electrochemical cells separated by lines drawn with a water-repellent permanent marker.
The biosensor was then used to quickly and simultaneously measure nitrite and glucose concentrations in artificial saliva. Nitrite can indicate oral diseases like periodontitis, while glucose can serve as a diagnostic for diabetes. The researchers suggest that these low-cost devices could be adapted to detect other saliva biomarkers and could be easily and rapidly produced on-site at medical facilities.
Related Links:
NKUA
Latest Clinical Chem. News
- 3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models
- POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection
- Highly Reliable Cell-Based Assay Enables Accurate Diagnosis of Endocrine Diseases
- New Blood Testing Method Detects Potent Opioids in Under Three Minutes
- Wireless Hepatitis B Test Kit Completes Screening and Data Collection in One Step
- Pain-Free, Low-Cost, Sensitive, Radiation-Free Device Detects Breast Cancer in Urine
- Spit Test Detects Breast Cancer in Five Seconds
- Electrochemical Sensors with Next-Generation Coating Advances Precision Diagnostics at POC
- First-Of-Its-Kind Handheld Device Accurately Detects Fentanyl in Urine within Seconds
- New Fluorescent Sensor Array Lights up Alzheimer’s-Related Proteins for Earlier Detection
- Automated Mass Spectrometry-Based Clinical Analyzer Could Transform Lab Testing
- Highly Sensitive pH Sensor to Aid Detection of Cancers and Vector-Borne Viruses
- Non-Invasive Sensor Monitors Changes in Saliva Compositions to Rapidly Diagnose Diabetes
- Breakthrough Immunoassays to Aid in Risk Assessment of Preeclampsia
- Urine Test for Monitoring Changes in Kidney Health Markers Can Predict New-Onset Heart Failure
- AACC Releases Comprehensive Diabetes Testing Guidelines