Dendrimer based fluorescent glucose sensor for diabetic monitoring - art. no. 609401
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Fluorescent glucose assays based on the affinity reaction between Concanavalin A and dextran have been extensively studied. However, advancements in polymer science have allowed for new macromolecules capable of replacing dextran which may improve the performance of this well-known assay. Dendrimer macromolecules, being highly ordered and spherical, allow for the binding of specific residues to the terminal (peripheral) binding sites, enabling researchers to customize the molecule. In this research, glycosylated dendrimers have been engineered to replace dextran to allow for more controlled chemical and fluorescent responses (eliminate multivalent binding and improve reversibility). This new assay has been shown to form small aggregate particles containing many Con A and glycosylated dendrimers resulting in a substantial loss in fluorescent intensity. Overall, this assay shows promise for use as part of an implantable glucose monitoring device, but more research needs to be done to increase sensor stability and optimize the sensor response to glucose.