Multi-day pre-clinical demonstration of glucose/galactose binding protein-based fiber optic sensor

We report here the first pre-clinical demonstration of continuous glucose tracking by fluorophore-labeled and genetically engineered glucose/galactose binding protein (GGBP). Acrylodan-labeled GGBP was immobilized in a hydrogel matrix at the tip of a small diameter optical fiber contained in a stainless steel needle. The fiber optic biosensors were inserted subcutaneously into Yucatan and Yorkshire swine, and the sensor response to changing glucose levels was monitored at intervals over a 7-day period. Sensor mean percent error on day 7 was 16.4 ± 5.0% using a single daily reference blood glucose value to calibrate the sensor. The GGBP sensor's susceptibility to common interferents was tested in a well-plate system using human sera. No significant interference was observed from the tested interferents except for tetracycline at the drug's maximum plasma concentration. The robust performance of the GGBP-based fiber optic sensor in swine models and resistance to interferents indicates the potential of this technology for continuous glucose monitoring in humans.