Made of multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated with platinum nanoparticles between 1 and 5 nanometers in diameter, researchers at the University of Arkansas have been able to fabricate a novel biosensor that detects glucose close to real time.

The said biosensor has been tested and found to have greater sensitivity than other comparable, biocompatible sensors.

According to the study's lead author, Jining Xie (research assistant professor of electrical engineering):

"To manage and control diabetes, patients must continuously monitor blood-glucose levels. So they understand the importance of a device that provides rapid response

At this stage of the research, we believe that the improved electro-chemical performance is due to the platinum nanoparticles. We are currently investigating mechanisms to optimize this performance."

Findings were published in the February issue of Nanotechnology - an Institute of Physics Publishing journal.

Find more details from the full report.

[article abstract]

[In photo: Carbon nanotube coated with platinum. (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Arkansas)]