Bipolar electrode-based electrochromic glucose sensor with a digitized colorimetric readout

Point-of-care (POC) technologies are increasingly vital for rapid, on-site diagnostics, particularly for the early detection of infections. Bipolar electrodes (BPE) have gained significant attention for POC sensors due to their simple structure, ease of miniaturization, and potential for high-throughput analysis. While traditional BPE sensors often rely on complex equipment for signal detection, colorimetric methods offer a simpler alternative by converting electrochemical signals into visible displays through electrochromic materials. In this study, we developed a distance-based electrochromic glucose sensor using a closed BPE configuration to enhance sensitivity and user-friendliness in non-laboratory settings. Furthermore, by altering the electrode morphology, we introduce a strategy to convert color gradients of electrochromic materials into digitized values, facilitating quantitative analysis. This approach combines ease of use with high sensitivity, offering a promising solution for POC device development.