Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to use the built-in magnetometer in smartphones as a biosensor for measuring biomedical properties like glucose levels and pH. The technique uses a hydrogel strip embedded with magnetic particles that expand or contract based on the presence of certain substances. When placed near a smartphone’s magnetometer, changes in the magnetic field caused by the hydrogel’s movement are detected, allowing for highly sensitive measurements. This could enable at-home testing of glucose levels using saliva instead of blood, as well as pH monitoring at a much lower cost than traditional lab equipment.
The method is inexpensive, easy to use, and doesn’t require special lab equipment or power sources beyond the smartphone itself. It has potential applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and even home brewing or baking. However, for this technology to be widely used, engineers need to improve the sensitivity of the magnetometer and develop mass-produced hydrogel strips that can detect a variety of substances. If successful, this could lead to more accessible and affordable diagnostic tools for a range of health and environmental conditions.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/noac/cellphone-magnetometers-biosensors
Keywords: smartphone magnetometer, hydrogel, biomedical sensing
