# Bulk metallic glass nanomoulding for glucose sensors

> **NIH NIH R01** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $417,865

## Abstract

Project Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains an incurable disease that is poised to increase in the next two decades.
Management of DM is mediated primarily by insulin therapy, which depends on patients monitoring their blood
glucose levels. However, due to lack of patient compliance, inaccuracies of strip sensors, and inability to test
for long periods such as during sleep, patients experience hyper- and hypo-glycemic episodes. Continuous
glucose monitoring from indwelling sensors holds the promise of a closed loop insulin delivery system. Despite
significant improvements in sensor design and overall accuracy, obstacles towards the long-term successful
application of such sensors remain. These include the need for miniaturization to minimize tissue injury
without a loss in sensitivity/ accuracy, biofouling, and the foreign body response (FBR). Approaches to improve
sensor function include delivery of tissue modifiers to modulate inflammatory responses. However, to date the
longevity of indwelling sensors is limited to 3-14 days and the inclusion of biologics to sensors complicates
manufacturing and creates additional regulatory burdens. Therefore, a biomaterial-based approach to
modulate the FBR and improve sensor function represents an attractive solution. In this application, we
propose the generation of a novel glucose sensor coating based on bulk metallic glass (BMG). BMGs are
metallic alloys with an amorphous atomic structure that combine high corrosion resistance and polymer-like
processability. Specifically, we propose to systematically evaluate Platinum or Zirconium based BMG
chemistries and geometries to develop a bio-protective surface for an indwelling glucose sensor. Accordingly,
the specific aims of this application are: 1) to screen BMG libraries for desirable material properties and
biological responses; 2) to identify BMG topographical features capable of favorably modulating in vivo
responses; and 3) to integrate BMG topographical features to enhance sensor function. Such bio-protective
surfaces could be used to shield virtually any biomedical implant from adverse biological reactions, thereby
improving implant function and lifespan.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9938574
- **Project number:** 5R01DK115969-03
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** THEMIS R KYRIAKIDES
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $417,865
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9938574

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9938574, Bulk metallic glass nanomoulding for glucose sensors (5R01DK115969-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9938574. Licensed CC0.

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