Glucose sensor science recognised

Research at Oxford University that led to a new type of sensor enabling people with diabetes to easily and accurately monitor their own blood sugar (glucose) levels has been celebrated with the unveiling of a special plaque. The National Chemical Landmark plaque from the Royal Society of Chemistry [ RSC ] recognises work by Allen Hill, Tony Cass , and Graham Davis at Oxford's Department of Chemistry. In the 1980s they developed a new technique that enabled a range of proteins to be investigated electrochemically, paving the way for a new type of monitoring device. Previously glucose monitoring had been done using 'colorimetric' methods in which a drop of blood was applied to a strip that changed colour to indicate the concentration of glucose in the blood. But these methods required a large droplet of blood and were not very accurate. The new approach started with work into how proteins gain or lose electrons when linked in to an electrical circuit. Studying such electrochemical behaviour was tricky as the proteins tended to stick to the electrodes, creating a build up which prevented a current from flowing.