Non-Invasive, Continuous, Transdermal Glucose Monitor w/Actuator Control

"AST proposes to develop a non-invasive methodology able to continuously monitor blood glucose concentration. As opposed to employing near infrared spectroscopy, which suffers from the limitations of sensitivity, stability, and repeatability, AST intendsto employ direct measurement of glucose, via amperometric sensors coated with glucose oxidase membranes, from minute amounts of interstitial fluid obtained transdermally. AST's proposed transdermal sampling system, with incorporated micro-fluidics andmicro-sensor technologies, will provide the capability to transduce the concentration of glucose, as well as other biological molecules including blood electrolytes, hormones, therapeutic drugs, etc., in near real-time with the potential for closed-loopfeedback control to administer appropriate drugs or sound an alarm (via auditory, visual, or telemetric communication), while weighing only a few grams. Glucose concentration in blood can be used to determine metabolic status as well as asses the degreeof stress a person is under. When AST's device is outfitted with closed-loop control capabilities, automated infusion of insulin can be achieved in the effort to maintain euglycemia at all times, with insulin presentation in a near-physiological temporalmanner. This process, "intensive therapy" for diabetes management, appears to offer the greatest hope of preventing diabetic complications by achieving tight control of blood glucose conce