A team at the University of Texas at Austin has built a mid‑infrared fiber probe that simultaneously measures glucose, lactate and ethanol. The probe is very small, with a diameter of 1.1 millimetres, and is designed for faster, minimally invasive monitoring that could aid clinicians and patients.
The device uses two silver halide optical fibers inside a PEEK tube and a semi‑permeable membrane. One fiber has an angled tip to send and collect light, while the other is gold‑coated to act as a mirror. Each molecule absorbs mid‑infrared light at specific wavelengths; the absorption is proportional to concentration.
The researchers say this approach avoids the delays of microdialysis, which requires collecting and processing samples offline. The probe could support critical care decisions and be adapted for wearable wellness monitoring. A patent application has been filed to enable industry licensing.
Difficult words
- lactate — a chemical produced by muscles during exercise
- ethanol — type of alcohol found in drinks and tests
- absorption — process of taking in light or energyabsorbs
- concentration — amount of a substance in a liquidconcentrations
- microdialysis — method that collects body fluid samples slowly
- probe — small instrument used to measure inside a bodyprobe.
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Discussion questions
- Would you be willing to use a small medical probe like this for health monitoring? Why or why not?
- How might faster, minimally invasive monitoring change care in hospitals?
- What are the advantages and possible problems of adapting this probe for wearable wellness monitoring?
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