Implantable nanosensors: toward continuous physiologic monitoring

Abstract

Continuous physiologic monitoring would add greatly to both home and clinical medical treatment for chronic conditions. Implantable nanosensors are a promising platform for designing continuous monitoring systems. This Feature reviews design considerations and current approaches toward such devices.

Figure 1

Implantation and explantation of injectable hydrogel glucose sensor. Fiber was implanted through a syringe needle and removed with forceps. Reproduced from, permission pending

Figure 2

Implantable nanosensors were capable of detecting histamine in live mice. Sensor was based on pairing an oxygen-responsive dye with diamino oxidase. Reproduced from, permission pending

Figure 3

SERS-based In vivo glucose sensor. Glucose was measured by its Raman spectrum using a Raman-enhancing nano-textured surface through an optical window. Reproduced from, permission pending

Figure 4

Boronic acids immobilized onto carbon nanotubes are reversibly reactive recognition elements. Glucose binding produces charge transfer to nanotubes and modulates fluorescence Reproduced from, permission pending

Figure 5

Enzyme-based reversibly reactive nanosenor design. An oxygen-responsive dye detects oxygen consumption by diamino oxidase in the presense of histamine. Oxygen dye returns to baseline fluorescence as histamine is cleared from sensor site. Reproduced from, permission pending