Light Replaces the Needle

Lighting Tech

 

Empa and the University Hospital Zurich have joined forces to develop a sensor that gauges blood sugar through skin contact. And best of all: No blood samples are necessary, not even to calibrate the sensor. “Glucolight” is initially to be used in premature babies to avoid hypoglycemia and subsequent brain damage.

One in 12 children are born prematurely in Switzerland. If hypoglycemia develops in these premature babies and persists for over an hour, it can affect brain development. In order to prevent this, the babies’ blood sugar levels need to be measured at regular intervals, which until now inevitably meant taking blood samples. Drawing blood regularly from the sensitive little ones for hours on end, however, is impossible as the blood loss and stress would be too great. In a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Empa and the University Hospital Zurich thus teamed up to develop the sensor “Glucolight,” which gauges the blood sugar level through the skin without taking any blood. Although skin sensors already exist, they have to be calibrated before use, which means that the skin’s permeability value needs to be known. In order to establish this, the blood sugar value has to be determined via a blood sample and the glucose concentration on the skin measured. Based on these readings, the permeability can then be calculated and the sensor calibrated.  

Photo:  Credit: Empa 

A different method to previous sensors

Glucolight spares the premature babies blood samples and enables the blood sugar level to be monitored permanently thanks to the sensor’s novel measuring technology, which comprises several parts: 

• amicrodialysis measuring head, which was developed at the University Hospital Zurich, with a “smart” membrane developed at Empa

• light sources

• a pump

• a microfluidics chip with a fluorometer, also developed at the University Hospital Zurich

The smart Empa membrane contains special dye molecules, known as spiropyrans. If UV light is beamed onto these spiropyran molecules, they alter their chemical structure and become charged (polar). When irradiated with visible light, they revert to their original, neutral structure. As a result, the membrane “opens” if irradiated with UV light and glucose molecules diffuse relatively easily through the membrane from the skin. If irradiated with visible light, considerably fewer glucose molecules pass through the membrane.  

The measurement involves sticking the measuring head, which is around three centimeters in size, to the baby’s skin and irradiating it with visible light; some glucose molecules diffuse through the membrane from the skin. On the other side of the membrane, the glucose is mixed with a fluid and pumped through the microfluidics chip, while enzymes are added to trigger a reaction. During the reaction, a fluorescence appears, which the fluorometer measures, and the computer uses the reading to calculate the glucose concentration. The process is then repeated with UV light. The computer then uses these two different readings to calculate the premature baby’s blood sugar level.  

Research with and on Glucolight continues

The researchers filed a patent application for Glucolight in mid-2014 and the first clinical studies are scheduled at the University Hospital Zurich for 2015. However, it could be years before the use of Glucolight becomes standard. Empa and the University Hospital Zurich are currently in negotiations with partners for the industrial production of the sensor. For the future, the researchers also envisage the use of Glucolight in other fields, such as diabetes. 

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • 60-Watt vs 100-Watt Light Bulbs: Brightness & Wattage

    60-Watt vs 100-Watt Light Bulbs: Brightness & Wattage

    With the widespread use of LED light bulbs, the replacement and upgrade of different light bulbs have also made the concept of “equivalent wattage” more and more discussed. When comparing 60-watt vs 100-watt bulb, the wattage and brightness are the factors that need to be figured out first. Wattage is used to measure the energy consumption while many… Read More…

  • What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    Human centric lighting (HCL) is a kind of illuminated way based on human physical and psychological needs. Its core goal is to imitate the changes in natural light to support the body’s circadian rhythm, improve visual comfort, and enhance mood. The key element of human centric lighting contains dynamic ​color temperature adjustment, adjustable brightness, spectrum… Read More…


New Products

  • Zaneen: Vieni Giù – Rain of Light

    Zaneen: Vieni Giù – Rain of Light

    Vieni Giù brings a touch of elegance and modernity to any space with its sleek, thin rods suspended from a cable or ceiling mount, each featuring exquisite chrome plating. These rods illuminate every corner like luminescent rain, thanks to the LED double-pin encapsulated in borosilicate glass. Available in various lengths, Vieni Giù can be tailored to… Read More…

  • LightForm: New Saule-L-01 Suspension Luminaire

    LightForm: New Saule-L-01 Suspension Luminaire

    LightForm is thrilled to introduce Saule, the newest lighting collection from Quebec atelier Larose Guyon, now exclusively available at LightForm. Inspired by the gentle grace of the willow tree, Saule is a sculptural light that feels alive. Cascading hand-formed brass leaves shimmer like foliage in the breeze, suspended from arched metal arms that echo the tree’s elegant… Read More…