Millions of people with diabetes track their glucose levels daily using small devices that draw and analyze their blood. However, researchers from Binghamton University have discovered a new harmless way to do so – through sweat. 

The new paper-based biosensor system uses Bacillus subtilis bacterial spores that germinate in response to glucose in potassium-rich bodily fluids, such as sweat. The amount of power generated would determine the glucose level.

Professor Seokheun Choi, Assistant Professor Anwar Elhadad, and PhD student Yang Gao from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Binghamton University recently published their findings in the journal Microsystems & Nanoengineering. The research is supported by two grants from the National Science Foundation.

With this research paper now published, the Binghamton team will work on improving the detection process.