Recent advances in electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensors - A review.

This review encompasses the mechanisms of electrochemical glucose detection and recent advances in non-enzymatic glucose sensors based on a variety of materials ranging from platinum, gold, metal alloys/adatom, non-precious transition metal/metal oxides to glucose-specific organic materials. It shows that the discovery of new materials based on unique nanostructures have not only provided the detailed insight into non-enzymatic glucose oxidation, but also demonstrated the possibility of direct detection in whole blood or interstitial fluids. We critically evaluate various aspects of non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors in terms of significance as well as performance. Beyond laboratory tests, the prospect of commercialization of non-enzymatic glucose sensors is discussed.