Graphene Goes Skin-Deep: Needle-Free Glucose Monitoring via Follicular Pathways

A groundbreaking study in Nature Nanotechnology presents a non-invasive, transdermal glucose monitoring system using a graphene-based pixel array that extracts glucose via electroosmotic flow through skin hair follicles. This path-selective technology bypasses the need for needles by targeting privileged transdermal routes to access interstitial fluid. Demonstrated in both ex vivo skin and healthy human subjects, the system tracks glucose levels across the full glycemic range with quantifiable precision. By distinguishing follicular from non-follicular fluxes, the platform achieves specificity and accuracy, setting the stage for clinically viable, needle-free glucose monitoring in diabetic care.