Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The goal of this proposed project is to develop a robust fluorescence system for continuously monitoring glucose level. Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by abnormal metabolism. Without proper management of glucose level, this disease can cause complications, and even death. To date, millions of patients have to prick their fingers for blood glucose testing 4-5 times per day. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is regarded as one of the most essential devices to improve patients' quality of life, and reduce the heavy burden on the healthcare system. Jin Zhang has developed a nanostructured fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) bio-probe for measuring the glucose level in aqueous. Compared to other commercialized glucose sensors, the nanostructured FRET sensors can provide more accurate result due to the dual fluorescent signals depending on the changes of glucose level without implanting a transmitter or a power source. To further develop the sensor for continuous measures in a visible-near infrared range, Dr. Zhang's research team, including a PhD student and a Research Associate will work with researchers from PTI, a Canadian company, to modify the fluorescence system for detecting new nanostructured bioprobes. We will statistically analyze the measurement parameters to amplify the responses of fluorescent nanomaterials to different concentrations of glucose in vitro. In addition, a computer controlled image processing method will be developed to achieve the continuous measurement. The success will enable PTI's cost-efficient fluorescent system to detect nanostructured FRET sensor efficiently, which normally requires very expensive instruments, and, therefore, strengthen the leading position of PTI in the global market of fluorescence system. We expect that the successful results will enhance PTI's competitiveness in the field of fluorescence systems, and have a significant impact on Canada's point-of-care technique and manufacturing industry.