Percutaneous fiber-optic sensor for chronic glucose monitoring in vivo

We are developing a family of fiber-optic sensors called Sencils™ (sensory cilia), which are disposable, minimally invasive, and can provide in vivo monitoring of various analytes for several weeks. The key element is a percutaneous optical fiber that permits reliable spectroscopic measurement of chemical reactions in a nano-engineered polymeric matrix attached to the implanted end of the fiber. This paper describes its first application to measure interstitial glucose based on changes in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorophores bound to betacyclodextrin and Concanavalin A (Con A) in a polyethylene glycol (PEG) matrix. In vitro experiments demonstrate a rapid and precise relationship between the ratio of the two fluorescent emissions and concentration of glucose in saline for the physiological range of concentrations (0–500 mg/dl) over seven weeks. Chronic animal implantation studies have demonstrated good biocompatibility and durability for clinical applications.