BACKGROUND
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by impaired insulin production or action, resulting in poor regulation of glucose. While current continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technologies are vital tools for diabetes management, they primarily measure glucose, which exists at high (millimolar) concentrations. However, insulin, the hormone central to diabetes care, circulates at much lower (picomolar) levels, making its detection significantly more challenging. Conventional insulin testing requires centralized laboratory assays, which are not suitable for frequent, real-time, or point-of-care use. As a result, people with diabetes and their healthcare providers lack timely information on insulin levels necessary for optimized therapy and emergency intervention.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Researchers at Oklahoma State University have developed a novel immunosensor designed to address the lack of accessible insulin monitoring, particularly in underdeveloped areas or populations with limited access to advanced technology. This innovative sensor employs citrate-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) conjugated with antibodies to selectively capture insulin from biofluids such as saliva or serum. A horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled detection antibody then triggers a visible color change via enzymatic reaction with a TMB substrate, enabling rapid, visual quantification of insulin at picomolar concentrations without the need for complex instrumentation. Optimized assay conditions minimize background interference, and the sensor shows a strong correlation between color intensity and insulin levels, making it ideal for convenient point-of-need applications.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
MAIN ADVANTAGES
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
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