Addressing the challenge of metabolic monitoring
By 2035, it is estimated that 51% of the global population will be classified as overweight or obese, leading to a considerable economic burden with costs reaching USD 4.3 trillion annually. Improved metabolic monitoring is essential, as it can enhance therapeutic outcomes for diabetes treatment and obesity management.
Although glucose-targeting GLP-1 drugs are improving diabetes care, their effectiveness is limited by the lack of reliable glucose monitoring solutions. BioS3nse introduces a novel nanocoating method for this monitoring.
Research and development – from concept to innovative technology
Combining expertise in chemical biology and electrochemistry, Professor Juha Huiskonen and Dr. Esa-Pekka Kumpula have developed a method to anchor biomolecules onto graphene oxide nanomaterials with notable stability. It secures biomolecules in optimal alignment on graphene oxide, enabling a stable, sensitive, and specific sensor surface for glucose detection. This innovation combines nanoscale interface engineering with biosensor science.
BioS3nse stands out through its ability to control how biomolecules attach and orient themselves on graphene oxide surfaces. Traditional biosensor coatings often suffer from random attachment, leading to weak signals and rapid degradation. In contrast, BioS3nse’s nanocoating effectively positions molecules in a defined orientation, resulting in stable and sensitive interfaces that improve signal strength and sensor longevity. This advancement in molecular interface engineering enables effective glucose sensing for drug development, dosing, monitoring, wearables, and research, with potential future applications extending to other biomarkers.
BioS3nse builds upon years of research at the Institute of Biotechnology, part of the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) of the University of Helsinki.
Market opportunities and possible applications
The commercial potential of BioS3nse’s nanocoating technology is significant within the growing ecosystem surrounding glucose- and appetite-modulating drugs, such as GLP-1 and GIP, as well as emerging metabolic-axis therapies. This technology enhances data quality, sensor lifespan, and signal stability—key factors in drug development, clinical trials, companion diagnostics, and continuous monitoring. Initial target markets include pharmaceutical R&D and precise glucose sensors for obesity management wearables and digital health applications.
Impact and benefits: improved diagnostics and treatment
Obesity is one of the most widespread health challenges of our time, soon to surpass undernutrition as the leading form of malnutrition. BioS3nse contributes to addressing this challenge by enabling more sensitive, stable, and specific glucose monitoring, which is essential for effective diabetes and weight management. The broader impact extends beyond academia; improved diagnostics and wearables can enhance prevention, treatment, and public health strategies. Laboratory results already indicate strong performance improvements.
Future and path to commercialisation
The BioS3nse project has attracted interest from industry and health sector partners. The team is actively preparing for commercialisation by establishing partnerships within the growing ecosystem surrounding glucose- and appetite-modulating drugs. They are also developing a value proposition and business strategy informed by market insights. Concurrently, they are advancing the underlying science to facilitate the transition from laboratory to market. The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, with further validation in progress.
This two-year Business Finland-funded commercialisation project began in early 2025. Upcoming steps include pilot collaborations, customer discovery, and engagement with potential funders.
Summary: Bios3nse advancing biosensor technology for enhanced glucose monitoring
BioS3nse is developing an innovative biosensor technology that addresses the growing global obesity crisis through reliable glucose monitoring. The technology employs a novel nanocoating method that enhances the specificity, sensitivity, and stability of glucose detection. This advancement supports drug development and continuous monitoring, targeting pharmaceutical R&D and digital health applications.
BioS3nse technology is designed to improve the management of diabetes and obesity. It offers a significant enhancement over existing monitoring solutions, making it a more reliable and effective option. This innovative approach has the potential to transform glucose monitoring, significantly improving patient outcomes. With strong laboratory results and increasing interest from industry partners, BioS3nse is well-positioned to capture a share of the multi-billion-dollar market for diabetes and obesity management solutions.
Join the collaboration
We are looking for investors and financiers from the metabolic health, biosensors and pharmaceutical industries, as well as partners for R&D activities, particularly in the GLP-1 and obesity ecosystems, and partners to accelerate pilot projects and market introduction of next-generation glucose sensors.
Contact us
Professor, Juha Huiskonen
Project Lead
Dr. Teea Mäkelä,
Commercial Champion