Microneedle based ECG – Glucose painless MEMS sensor with analog front end for portable devices

Abstract

A portable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) for mobile phones, or other portable devices, that measures body electrical signals, as well as, extracts transdermal biological fluid for invivo analysis is proposed. This system integrates two sensing methods: three points finger electrocardiography (ECG) and glucose monitoring, through one electrode with a microneedle-array. This work presents the: (1) device modeling and microneedle-array’ fabrication method, (2) signal processing and biasing circuitry’ design and simulation, (3) Analog Front End (AFE) for measured signals, and (4) Glucose sensor characterization. Design parameters and geometries are obtained by solving the capillarity model inside the microneedles and running optimization numeric methods. The AFE consists in a differential band pass filter that provides amplification, filtering, and noise rejection. This work presents clear technological innovation, for its miniaturization and integration of known biological signals’ measurement methods in a portable Smart System, which points in the direction of Internet of Things’ goals.