WSU Researchers Develop Wearable Microneedle Biosensor for Wireless Glucose Monitoring

New sensor uses microneedles and single-atom catalysts to provide accurate, real-time glucose readings.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a wearable biosensor that uses microneedles and sensors to measure glucose levels in the fluid around cells, providing an alternative to traditional continuous glucose monitoring systems. The sensor is more cost-effective, accurate, and less invasive than current models, and can wirelessly transmit data to a smartphone in real-time.

Why it matters

Measuring glucose levels is crucial for managing diabetes, but current monitoring systems can cause skin irritation and inflammation. This new sensor provides a more benign option that is also highly sensitive and affordable due to its use of 3D printing and single-atom catalysts.

The details

The WSU researchers used 3D printing to create a button-activated sensor that extracts fluid from under the skin using tiny hollow microneedles less than a millimeter long. Unlike other glucose monitors, the testing process occurs outside the body, lowering potential toxicity for patients. The sensor also uses a single-atom catalyst and enzymatic reactions to enhance the glucose signal and detect low biomarker levels.

  • The researchers filed a provisional patent in February 2026.
  • They are planning to test the glucose monitors on animals and investigate using it with additional biomarkers.

The players

Annie Du

Research professor in WSU's College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and co-corresponding author on the research.

Kaiyan Qiu

Berry Assistant Professor in WSU's School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and corresponding author on the research.

Yonghao Fu

Co-first author on the paper and a PhD student in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.

Washington State University

The university where the researchers developed the wearable biosensor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We were able to amplify the signal through our new single-atom catalyst and make sensors that are smaller, smarter, and more sensitive. This is the future and provides a foundation for being able to detect other disease biomarkers in the body.”

— Annie Du, Research professor (dailyfly.com)

“Ours is much more benign for customers and users.”

— Kaiyan Qiu, Berry Assistant Professor (dailyfly.com)

“The hollow microneedles are painless and minimally invasive, making them next-generation medical devices.”

— Kaiyan Qiu, Berry Assistant Professor (dailyfly.com)

“The nanozymes make our signal much stronger and can detect a minimal amount of any biomarker.”

— Kaiyan Qiu, Berry Assistant Professor (dailyfly.com)

“My goal is to make advanced sensing technology more practical for everyday healthcare. I enjoy working on a project that can combine different technologies so that we can take advantage of their strengths.”

— Yonghao Fu, PhD student (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The researchers are planning to test the glucose monitors on animals and are investigating its use with additional or multiple biomarkers.

The takeaway

This new wearable biosensor developed by WSU researchers represents a significant advancement in glucose monitoring technology, providing a more cost-effective, accurate, and less invasive alternative to current continuous glucose monitoring systems. The use of microneedles, single-atom catalysts, and wireless connectivity make this sensor a promising step towards improving everyday healthcare for people with diabetes.