Insulin glucose biosensors

The integration of biosensors with drag delivery systems allows the controlled release of a drag substance in response to the levels of biological modulator. For example, the use of a glucose biosensor may be used to control the release of insulin from an implanted device or perhaps even an iontophoretic delivery device (see Chapter 8). 

Diabetes is a worldwide problem afflicting approximately 5% of the adult population of industrialized nations. In the USA 18.2 million people (13 million diagnosed, 5.2 million undiagnosed), approximately 6% of the US population is afflicted with diabetes. Over 40% of the population with diabetes is age 60 or older and 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes are type II diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes) [28]. There is a great need to develop the best possible glucose biosensors to continuously, accurately, painlessly and safely monitor blood glucose level to improve the lives of all diabetics. 

One major interesting application of Biosensor has been the development of a wearable artificial pancreas and the studies associated with development. This devise has never reached the market stage even if several scientists addressed the problem and demonstrated the possibility to resolve it. In 1976 Clemens et al incorporated an electrochemical glucose biosensor in a bedside artificial pancreas . It was later marketed by Miles (Elkhart) as the Biostator Glucose-Controlled Insulin Infusion System (60 Kg, 42 x 46 x 46 cm) (Rg. 1). 

Therefore, a variety of different biosensors for each adequate apphcation can be realized. In the year 1962 the first biosensor was introduced by Clarke and since that biosensor research made considerable progress (Clark et al. 1962 Clark et al. 1984 Turner et al. 1987 Nakamura and Karube 2003 Wilson and Gifford 2005). Chiefly miniaturized glucose sensors faced an immense boom due to monitoring of diabetics at home with an inexpensive diagnostics instrument allowing a more precise adjustment of insulin. 

Guiseppi-Elie A, Brahim S I, Narinesingh D (2002) A chemically synthesized artificial pancreas release of insulin from glucose-responsive hydrogels. Adv. Materials 14(10) 743-746 Heller A (1996) Amperometric biosensors. Curr Opin Biotechnol 7(l) 50-54 Heller A (2006) Electron-conducting redox hydrogels design, characteristics and synthesis. Curr Opin Chem Biol 10(6) 664—672... 

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