Towards implantable glucose sensors: a review

Abstract

The clinical treatment procedures to monitor and control diabetes mellitus include the use of mechanical devices. Of these devices, closed-loop devices are preferred to open loop devices. However, the development of such devices depends to a great extent on the availability of reliable, long-lasting glucose sensors. In this paper, the status of implantable glucose sensors is reviewed. Glucose sensors are classified and discussed under the following headings: Enzyme catalysed electrodes; metal catalysed sensors; affinity sensors; and coated wire sensors. The relative merits of each of the sensor types are presented and experimental results for both in vitro and in vivo studies are summarized.