New Micro-Nano-Technologies and -Components for Complex Sensors using the Example of a Glucose Sensor

Abstract:
Diabetes Mellitus is a widespread disease on the increase, affecting several hundred million people worldwide and incurring costs and follow up costs of several hundred billion Euros. Research into continuous blood sugar monitoring has been conducted for the last 40 years approximately, however, none of the sensor systems developed have penetrated the market so far. Reasons are the costs of the technological solutions, the miniaturization required and the implementation into mass production. We developed new components and fabrication technology for realizing a new sensor solution for the mass production with excellent performance, very high miniaturization and very high cost reduction. Key components are a high performing laser illumination system, high performing beam splitter, multifunctional measuring chamber and new assembly strategies. The development results for an insertable glucose sensor allowing “absolute” continuous blood sugar measurement are discussed.