In vivo fluorescence detection of glucose using a single-walled carbon nanotube optical sensor: Design, fluorophore properties, advantages, and disadvantages

In this work, several aspects of in vivo glucose detection using a nanotube-based optical sensor are considered. The optical properties of commonly used organic and nanoparticle fluorescent probes are compared with respect to quantum yield, human tissue penetration, and photobleaching stability. The latter two factors are shown to dominate sensor viability and require a near-infrared nanoparticle fluorophore for practical device operation. The dynamics of a model optical sensor are compared to a flux-measuring electrochemical sensor of equal area using a mathematical simulation of a healthy patient ingesting three predefined meals per day. Both sensors demonstrate an approximately linear response to blood glucose levels. It is shown that the optical sensor, which transduces glucose concentration, not flux, directly is significantly more stable to membrane biofouling.