Membranes Allow Oxygen-Dependent Sensors To Function Longer And More Accurately

By Andre Martinez, PhD, DSM Biomedical

Wearable biosensors are a promising technology, inspiring major investments from device manufacturers and a strong focus on research and commercialization from both universities and start-ups. Diabetes management is the first medical field to fully embrace the advantages of wearable biosensor technology. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are used by millions of people, allowing real-time blood-glucose monitoring without the need for finger-pricking. CGMs work by adhering a transmitter to the skin, typically on the arm or abdomen, which then penetrates the subcutaneous layer using a thin sensor. An outermost, rate-limiting membrane on the sensor, known as a glucose limiting membrane (GLM), regulates the permeation of glucose and oxygen to an enzyme layer below. This balances the permeation of glucose and oxygen to the enzyme layer.

DSM Biomedical’s Sparsa platform of amphiphilic polyurethanes regulates analyte permeation and allows simplified fabrication of biosensor devices such as CGMs. The Sparsa platform allows transport of both polar, water-soluble molecules, and non-polar molecules, eliminating the need to blend a second material. As a result, there is no risk of phase separation of multiple components and less stringent process control is required. The Sparsa platform also offers flexible formulations, expanding the reach of this technology to enhance a wide range of therapy delivery systems. Discover the potential for wearable biosensors to meet the challenges of drug delivery and how DSM Biomedical is innovating to supply the necessary polymer formulations.