Portable system for blood micronutrient quantification using a glucometer platform
A portable, glucometer-based system for easy quantification of blood micronutrients using antibody, aptamer, and DNAzyme assays. Capable of measuring markers like vitamin D and zinc with high sensitivity and rapid results in less than 15 minutes.
Overview
GlucoSentient presents an innovative portable system for the quantification of blood micronutrients using a glucometer-like platform. This system leverages existing glucose detection technology to measure a wide array of non-glucose biomarkers by transforming target recognition events into glucose signals. The device is designed to provide rapid, easy-to-use, and cost-effective testing for various micronutrients, making it ideal for both clinical and at-home use.
Technical specifications
The system comprises a microfluidic cartridge and an electrochemical glucose detector. It uses antibody, aptamer, and DNAzyme-based assays to detect micronutrients, converting these interactions into glucose signals through enzyme invertase activity. Current assays include vitamin D and zinc, utilizing aptamers and DNAzymes respectively, with targeted limits of detection at 5 nM for vitamin D and 10 µM for zinc. The system can deliver results in under 15 minutes with minimal manual intervention, detecting low levels of metal ions, small molecules, polysaccharides, and proteins in samples such as blood, urine, and saliva.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, the system has proven feasibility with plans for further validation of vitamin D and zinc assays. These tests will be compared to reference methods to ensure accuracy and integrated into existing prototypes for demonstration, aiming to achieve high sensitivity and rapid turnaround times for effective application.
About GlucoSentient
GlucoSentient, Inc. is a healthcare technology company that specializes in transforming personal blood glucose meters (BGM) into versatile, point-of-care diagnostic platforms. By utilizing patent-pending DNAzyme-based technology, the company’s platform translates the presence of non-glucose targets—such as therapeutic drugs, protein markers, nucleic acids, and heavy metal ions—into a measurable glucose signal that can be quantified using standard, widely available glucose meter hardware. This approach leverages the established affordability, simplicity, and compact design of existing BGM systems to enable rapid, low-cost diagnostic testing for a range of applications, including environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostics.
The technology is designed to address critical gaps in healthcare access, particularly in resource-limited settings where traditional laboratory analysis is impractical. By enabling at-home or point-of-care testing, GlucoSentient aims to improve treatment adherence and outcomes for patients managing conditions like tuberculosis or oral cancer, where consistent therapeutic drug or biomarker monitoring is essential. The company, founded in 2011 and based in Champaign, Illinois, has received support from various Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants to develop these monitoring systems. Their work emphasizes proactive health management and personalized medicine through accessible, cost-effective diagnostic tools that simplify complex laboratory procedures into user-friendly, portable tests.
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