Silk Fibroin Pads for Whole Blood Glucose Determination

Abstract

In this work, we present a durable and miniaturized photonic lab on a chip (PhLOC) integrating functionalized silk fibroin pads for optical glucose quantification in whole blood samples. The PhLOC consists of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) disposable structure for the pad holding and a coupling system for commercial optic fibers connection. The silk matrix, together with the PMMA design, has the capability to separate the plasma from the cell fraction of whole blood by plasma diffusion into the silk, minimizing the absorbance interferences from the hemoglobin of the erythrocytes. Then, the enzymes present in the matrix react with the glucose in the sample and produce a color change in an amplified process where the analyte—mediator—matrix interacts sequentially, increasing the common signal from the oxidized mediator (2 fold). The sensor works in the adequate linear range to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy glucose levels (0 to 12 mM), with a sensitivity of 0.084 a.u. mM−1, a limit of detection of 0.18 mM and a limit of quantification of 1.44 mM. Furthermore, durability of the sensor is remarkable, maintaining its response unchangeable during the first 7 months of tests.

Keywords

• optical biosensor
• silk fibroin
• durable biosensor
• enzyme matrix
• green chemistry