A New Non-Invasive Continuous Metabolite Monitor

Glucose and Lactic Acid are the metabolic markers of choice for health status measurements. Determination of lactic acid threshold in soldiers and athletes during times of extensive muscle use can lead to improved training resulting in higher performance. Intensive monitoring of blood glucose is the most important step diabetics can take to safeguard their health and longevity. In the United States there are an estimated 15.7 million people with diabetes mellitus. Existing methods for monitoring blood glucose levels have limitations. Blood glucose testing is performed only intermittently making it difficult to accurately determine a person's condition. Compliance is often poor due to the discomfort associated with obtaining blood. This proposal concerns a non-invasive method whereby glucose and lactic acid concentrations are monitored using interstitial fluid in a small device that is worn in contact with the skin. The advantages of the proposed device comprise low cost and enhanced sensitivity of the measurements. Phase I will focus on development of microfluidic lactic acid sensor. Upon successful completion of the Phase I effort, Phase II research will focus on addition of microfluidic glucose sensor and interstitial fluid extraction to the lactic acid microfluidic module and testing the device using animal model.