The Polymer Society of Korea

강주미 (경북대학교)

이규의 (경북대학교)

Frequent glucose monitoring is essential for diabetic management, yet traditional invasive methods cause discomfort and infection risks. Although noninvasive alternatives exist, high costs limit their commercial accessibility. In this study, we developed a low-cost, noninvasive glucose monitoring system using a functionalized contact lens. By utilizing a poly(tannic acid) coating as a bridge, we successfully immobilized boronic acid—which exhibits reversible binding affinity to glucose—onto the lens surface. The functionalized lens captures glucose from body fluids (e.g., tears) and releases it into an enzymatic cocktail for colorimetric quantification. Crucially, the lens maintains its original transparency and oxygen permeability while demonstrating high biocompatibility. Based on smartphone-mediated colorimetric analysis and UV-vis spectra, this smart contact lens presents a promising diagnostic platform for efficient and accessible blood glucose management.