Non-enzymatic electrochemical method for simultaneous determination of total hemoglobin and glycated hemoglobin

A novel HbA1c sensor based on non-enzymatic electrochemical analysis of hemoglobin (Hb) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a blood sample as ‘one shot analysis’ has been developed for the first time by the CSIR-CECRI. HbA1c is an extremely important blood component amenable for long-term control of diabetes mellitus unlike estimation of glucose wherein one gets only information of blood sugar at the time of measurement. To estimate the haemoglobin content, current enhancing surfactants are employed for amplified voltammetric signals. For HbA1c estimation, the interaction of glucose with substituted boronic acid was taken advantage to develop potentiometric protocols. A method of determining the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in a blood sample was designed wherein both steps are performed electrochemically without the use of redox mediators. To perform these sensing reactions, dedicated simple carbon electrodes were designed using screen printing technology. This electrochemical kit, which is simple, inexpensive and patient-friendly, will facilitate efficient management of diabetes mellitus. This technology directly impacts the societal objectives, as healthcare stands out as the most need of the hour. This pioneering development, resulting from CSIR-Industry collaboration is first of its kind. This invention is globally patented and Patent rights are transferred to Piramal Health Care Limited, Mumbai.