Non-invasive blood glucose monitor

TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

The non-invasive blood glucose monitor uses a technology called an optical bridge. The optical bridge uses the near-infrared wavelength range that includes the glucose absorption band at about 1620 nm. It sends two different wavelengths alternating in time into the earlobe, having the same extinction in the tissue background. One of the wavelengths is absorbed by glucose; the other is not. In order to separate the glucose signal from the background, the blood content of the sample volume is modulated by squeezing the sample. Almost all of the glucose is in the bloodstream. Without modulation, the glucose signal would be indistinguishable from the background. Signals are recorded while the blood content changes in the sample volume. A green wavelength measures the actual blood content independently. The ratio of the infrared differential change to the green change is the basis for the measurement. The method measures glucose in the bloodstream, which is of capital importance and which many other methods cannot do, as they are affected by the glucose in the interstitial fluid. The ultimate goal is a universal calibration that allows most people to use the device right out of the box.

AREA/MATURITY/AWARDS

Primary Application Area: Medical Devices

Technology Development Status: Prototype

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4

Vetted Programs/Awards: A total of 10 SBIR Phase I and Phase II awards (NIDDK) were granted to predecessor Grove Instruments, Inc., from 1999 to 2013. Dr. Harjunmaa (formerly Co-founder Chief Scientist at Grove) served as PI for several of these grants.

SHOWCASE SUMMARY

Organization Type: Early-stage Startup (Seed)

National Innovation Awardee

Showcase Booth #: 21M

Website: http://www.valoatechnologies.com

GOVT/EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES

External Funding to Date: After the 2015 bankruptcy (due to management issues unrelated to the technology) of Grove Instruments, Inc., Valoa Technologies, Inc. acquired the IP from Grove in January, 2016. Valoa is continuing the development of the technology and is prosecuting and maintaining the 4 ex-Grove patents. Valoa does not have external funding.