New Fiber Probe Enables Simultaneous Tracking of Key Health Biomarkers

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel fiber probe capable of monitoring three crucial health biomarkers—glucose, lactate, and ethanol—at the same time. The device, with a diameter of just 1.1 millimeters, is designed for real-time health tracking and was detailed in a recent publication in Nature Communications.

According to lead author Tanya Hutter, a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering, real-time monitoring of these biomarkers is essential for understanding metabolic health and guiding treatment in critical care.

How the Probe Works

The technology is a mid-infrared fiber probe consisting of two silver halide optical fibers housed in a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) tube, which is itself surrounded by a semi-permeable membrane. One fiber features an angled tip for delivering and collecting light, while the other is coated with gold to act as a mirror.

The probe is connected to a quantum cascade laser (QCL) to provide mid-infrared light. It measures molecular concentrations by detecting the specific wavelengths of light absorbed by each biomarker.

The Need for Real-Time Monitoring

Traditional methods, such as microdialysis, measure biomarkers separately, can be time-consuming, and provide delayed information. This new device aims to overcome those limitations by offering continuous, real-time measurements directly in tissue.

• Glucose monitoring is vital for diabetes management.
• Lactate levels can serve as an early indicator for severe conditions like sepsis or tissue hypoxia.
• Ethanol monitoring has applications in cases of alcohol intoxication, addiction treatment, and related injuries.

Development and Future Potential

The project was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), with initial research focused on continuous in vivo alcohol measurement. Professor Hutter stated her research goal is to speed up biomarker measurement and make it less invasive. The University of Texas has filed a patent application for the technology.

The device is intended for clinical use in hospitals and medical settings. Looking ahead, the technology also holds the potential to be adapted into a wearable consumer device for personal wellness monitoring.