Zimmer & Peacock pioneers wearable biosensors for healthcare

When it comes to diabetes, knowledge is power. This widespread disease is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. According to Diabetes UK, most diabetes types can be prevented or delayed by making healthier choices, helping people to understand their own risk and securing early diagnosis.

“Our biosensors provide new, lifesaving knowledge to patients and their doctors. If you can measure it, you can control it,” says Zimmer.

Zimmer & Peacock (ZP) has developed the next generation of wearable biosensors for healthcare applications. This includes diabetes as well as other medical conditions. “Biosensors give us the ability to test what was previously not testable,” says Zimmer.

By definition, biosensors are analytical devices that convert a biological response into an electrical signal. The technology combines aspects of biology, chemistry and engineering, and enables the digitalisation of natural processes.

“ZP is ahead of the game with a wearable biosensor platform. We are different in that we don’t focus on the physical parameters such as heart rate and number of steps. Rather, we focus on glucose, lactate, pH, potassium and the like,” he explains.

If customers have other needs, ZP collaborates with them to develop new biosensors. “The beauty of our wearables is that customers can build their own app,” says Zimmer.

Wearable biosensors are among ZP’s most pioneering breakthroughs. The company has therefore identified “wearables” as a key impact area for its future work.

ZP has moved into the next phase of biosensor technology, where real-time monitoring and continuous data analysis using AI are replacing traditional methods.

“We can provide integrated systems with continuous data as opposed to single, independent biosensors with intermittent data,” says Zimmer. The result is more precise, reliable metrics that can help to refine medical diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.

One common area where this is crucial is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The more precise the glucose measurements, the more control patients and doctors have over the condition.

The global wearable medical device market was valued at USD 28.3 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 197.1 billion by 2030.

“This huge market is being driven by demand from the healthcare industry. Personal health and care, as well as food and beverage, are drivers as well,” says Zimmer.

To date, ZP has developed 35 biosensors for a variety of applications, and it continues to work with R&D groups and industry to increase this number.

In addition to wearables, ZP has identified “soil health” as another impact area, and it has established AgriSenze AS, a spinoff company focusing on environmental protection and precision agriculture.

“Soil health and wearables are two impact areas that give a glimpse into the vast landscape of biosensor possibilities,” he concludes.