A biosensor made using platinum nanoparticles has been developed that could enable doctors to combat diabetes more effectively than ever before.

The sensor is able to detect glucose with much greater efficiency than existing technology and was developed by a research team at University of Arkansas (UA) who discovered that nanotubes which are coated with platinum nanoparticles are much more sensitive than standard nanotubes.

UA's team found that for every square centimetre examined, the platinum-coated sensor had a sensitivity of around 50 micro Amps per mili mole - which is among the highest ever recorded.

It is thought that the use of platinum improves glucose-detection by creating a greater electro-active area for the carbon nanotubes, which facilitates oxidisation of glucose and helps to immbolise glucose oxides meaning they can be detected more effectively.

Research for the project was conducted jointly by Jung Xie and Vijay Varadu in the faculty's Nanomaterials Research Laboratory, with further contributions from Shouyan Wang and Lavanya Aryasomayajula.

NeoPharma Industries, which funded the research, is aiming to bring the product to market by the end of the year.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd