Advancing Diabetes Management: The Future of Enzyme-Less Nanoparticle-Based Glucose Sensors—A Review

Background: Glucose is vital for biological processes, requiring blood sugar levels to be maintained between 3.88 and 6.1 mmol/L, especially during fasting. Elevated levels signal diabetes, a global concern affecting 537 million people, necessitating effective glucose-monitoring devices. Method: Enzyme-based sensors, though selective, are sensitive to environmental factors. Nonenzymatic sensors, especially those with nanoparticles, offer stability, high surface area, and cost-effectiveness. Existing literature supports their immediate glucose oxidation, showcasing exceptional sensitivity. Results: This review details nonenzymatic sensors, highlighting materials, detection limits, and the promise of nanoparticle-based designs, which exhibit enhanced sensitivity and selectivity in glucose detection. Conclusion: Nanoparticle-based sensors, as reviewed, show potential for glucose monitoring, overcoming enzyme-based limitations. The conclusion suggests future directions for advancing these sensors, emphasizing ongoing innovation in this critical research area.