Implantable glucose sensor : an approach based on a rotating microviscometer combined with a sensitive liquid containing dextran and Concanavalin A

For more than thirty years there has been a high demand for glucose measuring devices to replace the finger pricking methods and to improve the life quality of diabetics. Three approaches are possible, electrochemical, electromagnetic (including optical), and mechanical. We analyzes the feasibility of a glucose sensing technology based on the rheological property of a liquid solution containing Concanavalin A, dextran and glucose which changes its viscosity with the glucose concentration. This sensitive solution is placed into a minimally-invasive subcutaneously implantable sensor. The glucose equilibrium establishes through a selective membrane. The viscosity is measured with a passive, magnetically actuated two-rotor microviscometer. The first rotor measures the local temperature and the second the glucose dependent viscosity of the solution. To miniaturize the microviscometer, a sensitive solution with a low viscosity (