Abstract
Based on the results of the literature research, the aim of this master's thesis is to develop a prototype of a battery-free, NFC-enabled blood glucose meter. Part of this thesis was to demonstrate the possibility of providing the required redox potential for the electrochemical reaction at the blood glucose test strip by the NFC field.
The determination of the blood glucose concentration of the NFC glucometer is based on an enzymatic-amperometric method. This method is currently state of the art and it is used in commercially available blood glucose meters. If a defined constant electrode potential (redox potential) is applied on the electrodes, a cascade of electrochemical reactions takes place on the test strip. The resulting electrical current is measured. This value of the electrical current at a specific sampling time is proportional to the glucose concentration. The required redox potential of the test strip is determined by voltammetric methods (cyclovoltammetry).
NFC is a wireless communication technology to transmit data and energy over short distances. NFC is based on inductive coupling between two devices and operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. The transferred energy is used for energy harvesting, and in conjungtion with low power electronics, there is no need of an additional external power source. Therefore, size and cost of the resulting sensor can be minimized. The required redox potential in range of 183 mV is provided by NFC energy harvesting.
The current NFC glucometer prototype is powered by the NFC interface of a mobile device. The measured blood glucose values are transmitted via NFC to a user-friendly and intuitive mobile app. The mobile app shows the measured blood glucose level on the display, and the measured data is automatically saved in a diary. The NFC-Glucometer prototype has been calibrated with a common blood glucose meter.
The determination of the blood glucose concentration of the NFC glucometer is based on an enzymatic-amperometric method. This method is currently state of the art and it is used in commercially available blood glucose meters. If a defined constant electrode potential (redox potential) is applied on the electrodes, a cascade of electrochemical reactions takes place on the test strip. The resulting electrical current is measured. This value of the electrical current at a specific sampling time is proportional to the glucose concentration. The required redox potential of the test strip is determined by voltammetric methods (cyclovoltammetry).
NFC is a wireless communication technology to transmit data and energy over short distances. NFC is based on inductive coupling between two devices and operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. The transferred energy is used for energy harvesting, and in conjungtion with low power electronics, there is no need of an additional external power source. Therefore, size and cost of the resulting sensor can be minimized. The required redox potential in range of 183 mV is provided by NFC energy harvesting.
The current NFC glucometer prototype is powered by the NFC interface of a mobile device. The measured blood glucose values are transmitted via NFC to a user-friendly and intuitive mobile app. The mobile app shows the measured blood glucose level on the display, and the measured data is automatically saved in a diary. The NFC-Glucometer prototype has been calibrated with a common blood glucose meter.
| Translated title of the contribution | Development of a NFC glucometer |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Qualification | Master of Science |
| Awarding Institution |
|
| Supervisors/Advisors |
|
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Diabetes mellitus
- Near Field Communication (NFC)
- Energy harvesting
- Blood Glucose Selfmonitoring
- Android App
