Fluorescent nanosensor tattoo monitors glucose under the iPhone’s glare

Unless you’re a True Blood diehard, the idea of bleeding yourself intentionally shouldn’t really seem all that appealing. So imagine how most diabetics feel when they’re forced to prick their thumbs three times a day in the name of health. Well, soon they might not have to thanks to a nanosensor tattoo and… an iPhone ? Developed by Prof. Heather Clark and her Northeastern University team, this injection of subdermal nanoparticles combines “fluorescent dye, specialized sensor molecules…and a charge-neutralizing molecule” that attach to glucose, releasing ions and altering the tat’s glow in the process. The researchers had originally designed a “large boxlike” tattoo-reading device, but an apparent Apple fanboy on the team modded an iPhone case with LEDs and a filter lens to make the whole affair a bit more stylish . Next up for the team is, you guessed it, an app for that — although this one’ll focus on sodium. Fluorescent nanosensor tattoo monitors glucose under the iPhone’s glare originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink

Posted by on July 21, 2011. Filed under News, Tech. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.