“Our goal is to create a glucose monitoring system that is not only effective but also accessible,” says Dr. Wen Zhong, Professor of Biosystems Engineering in the Price Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, and lead researcher on the project. “By using egg white, a widely available and sustainable material, we can significantly reduce costs while maintaining high accuracy in glucose detection.”

A painless and affordable solution

Current glucose monitoring systems either require invasive finger pricks or rely on costly continuous glucose monitors, both of which pose challenges for individuals managing diabetes.

This research project introduces a noninvasive solution: hydrogel-based biosensors derived from egg white. These biosensors are designed to be integrated into wearable platforms, such as wristbands and smart shoes, where they analyze glucose levels through sweat. This eliminates the need for blood samples, ensuring real-time, accurate readings.

The innovation has attracted the interest of Avriel International, a Winnipeg-based shoe design and development company specializing in smart footwear for diabetics. Avriel is interested in incorporating non-invasive glucose sensor into their smart shoes and wristbands, since no such sensor currently exists on the market. They are partnering and validating the prototypes, marking a major step toward commercialization. 

A prototype of a Smart Shoe Sole (left) and the mold for the shoe sole (right), as developed by researchers at Red River College.

Egg white, a sustainable and nutrient-rich material, has long been used in the food industry but remains underutilized in biomedical applications. Its unique thermal, electrical, and fluid properties make it an ideal candidate for biosensor development.

By leveraging egg white’s potential, this project advances patient care and medical innovation while opening new economic opportunities to expand the use of egg white in high-value medical products.

Bridging healthcare gaps with smart wearable technology

The impact of these biosensors could extend far beyond innovation. Millions of people with diabetes struggle with the high costs and discomfort of glucose monitoring. A cost-effective, 3D-printable, and self-powered sensor could bridge these healthcare gaps, offering a sustainable and inclusive solution.

“Accessibility and sustainability are at the core of our research,” says Zhong. “Our biosensors are designed to be self-powered using green energy harvesting, reducing dependence on disposable batteries and minimizing electronic waste.”

The project is supported by Research Manitoba – Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant Program and Egg Farmers Canada, helping bring this technology closer to real-world application.

As this technology moves closer to commercialization, it has the potential to revolutionize healthcare accessibility and diabetes management ensuring that glucose monitoring is no longer a painful, expensive burden.

As president, I hold these principles close and recognize the responsibility that comes with leadership in a diverse and dynamic academic institution. In the recent past, the university has made public statements on geopolitical events and current affairs with the purpose of acknowledging the experiences of community members and offering support. This was done with good intentions; however, this practice has unintended consequences and must be reexamined.  To ensure that I support—not overshadow—the diversity of voices within our community, I am committed to demonstrate restraint when asked to comment on current affairs. This approach allows space for diverse perspectives to be heard and upholds the university’s role as a forum for thoughtful and respectful dialogue. This commitment also reflects my belief that universities thrive when they prioritize the free exchange of ideas while remaining respectful of differing viewpoints.

The university will continue to communicate about the work, services and events that support the shared values we committed to in MomentUM: Leading Change Together; and will share information about supports available to members of the UM community. Together, we will continue to create a community where diverse voices are supported in contributing to the important conversations shaping our world.

Michael Benarroch
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Manitoba

Here’s what you can expect.

2024 road construction projects

• Zone 1: Sifton Road reconstruction as part of the Southwood Circle redevelopment will commence Monday, April 22. Partial road closure expected. One lane of traffic maintained throughout. Parking Lot ABC and St. Andrew’s Parking Lot will be impacted periodically. See attached map 2 for Phase 1 and map 3 for Phase 2. Emergency vehicle access maintained throughout construction.
• Zone 2: Phase 2 of the Dysart Road steam/condensate replacement will commence late May early June at the corner of Sidney Smith Street and Dysart Road. Access to Parking Lot Q will be detoured.
• Zone 3: University Crescent warranty repairs and seasonal landscape work, including boulevard restoration, will commence this summer. Traffic will be maintained at all times. Occasional lane closures can be expected.
• City of Winnipeg construction: Work on University Crescent continues with new underground infrastructure.

A service disruption has been posted on the Facilities web page, where you can keep up to date on traffic impacts around campus.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Vanessa Jukes Strutt, Project Manager, Architectural and Engineering Services at vanessa.jukes@umanitoba.ca.

We’ve received a few questions about the construction. Please note the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.

For the full picture, see also the previous story on the roadway repair and Fort Garry campus renewal.

Back to school! Wait, why can’t I expect an unimpeded drive onto Fort Garry campus? How long will I be delayed?

• Significant and much-needed roadway construction projects are currently underway to repair and upgrade roads, and to improve overall traffic flow and pedestrian safety on Fort Garry campus.
• Commutes will likely be slightly delayed, about 10 to 15 minutes during peak periods.

What’s happening? How do I get where I’m going?

• Dafoe Road is closed in front of Active Living Centre until mid-October.
• Access the Active Living Centre from east Dafoe Rd. via Freedman Cres. and MacLean Cres.
• No drop-off or pick-up at the Administration Building. N Lot Permits Only.
• Use designated drop-off and pick-up locations:
  • U Lot: west side of campus off Chancellor Matheson Rd.
  • Q Lot: north side of campus off Dysart Rd./Sidney Smith St.
  • B Lot: east side of campus off Saunderson St.
  • Alumni Lane: south side of campus off Freedman Cres.

Why this, why now?

• Due to increased Transit traffic, the intersection of Dafoe Rd. and University Cres. was critically compromised and sunken areas posed a serious safety issue.
• The road closure will accelerate the project schedule and mitigate the overall impact to the campus community.

Is there a map? Where can I find the most current version?

• Yes! Here is the map. Map is also below; click on it to enlarge.
• A current map is always included on the University’s Service Disruptions webpage and in the UM Today story.

Map of Fort Garry campus road construction, Sept. 1, 2019.

Okay, let’s break this down. What Transit changes should I know about?

• Transit has rerouted all buses down Freedman Cres. to MacLean Cres.
• Agriculture Stops on Dafoe Rd. temporarily cancelled.
• Temporary westbound bus stop installed on Freedman Cres. at King’s Drive.
• Westbound Dafoe Rd. W. stop at University Cres. temporarily cancelled. Use stop at RH Way.

So what is the impact to traffic flow coming IN to the University?

As the map illustrates:

• Right Turn Only from eastbound (inbound) Dafoe Rd. West onto University Cres.
• No Access to Dafoe Rd. from inbound University Cres.
• No U Turns permitted at Chancellor Matheson Drive.

And leaving the University?

• No Access to University Cres. via Dafoe Rd. after leaving the Active Living Centre.
• Traffic must leave the same way it arrived, via MacLean Cres.

What can I do to ensure a safe and smooth ride?

• Watch for signage and obey all temporary crossings and closures.
• Plan ahead, leave early, and carpool, bike or take transit when you can.
• See map here and above.

Now let’s get to the obvious question: Why is the construction taking place during the busiest time of year—the first few weeks of September?

• Given the seasonal nature of construction in our climate, construction projects—including needs assessment and project coordination—start in spring.
• The current project has actually been underway since May; actual construction on University Cres./Dafoe Rd. started in June, with impacts stretching unavoidably into the fall school term.

Has anything been done to mitigate traffic flows and Transit changes?

• Yes. The intersection near the Active Living Centre was closed to ensure the least possible wait times under the circumstances.
• Closure of the Dafoe/University Cres. intersection also ensures an overall smoother flow of traffic and clearest detours under the circumstances.

Why wasn’t this communicated sooner? Where can I go to ensure I have the updated info I need?

• All changes are communicated as quickly as possible through our communications channels.
• Updates are provided on the University’s Service Disruptions webpage and the UM Today news site, and shared on our social media channels such as Twitter and through weekly student and staff newsletters.

What improvements are being made?

Work is being done to:

• Upgrade and repair roads from previous deteriorated, pothole-ridden state, which required continual short-term patching and created unsafe conditions for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Improve efficiency through the intersection by extending the left turn lanes along the length of the median. This will reduce traffic congestion and improve turning movements for busses.
• Improve pedestrian safety by:
  • Providing pedestrian refuge in the centre median of University Cres.;
  • Removing righthand turn slip lane westbound Dafoe Rd. onto northbound University Cres. to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians, and minimize overlaps between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Read more about the upgrades and improvements.

ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION TIMELINES (Dates may be modified)

Music Annex1 Demolition map.

Road work (Parking Lots W & E)

• August 26 – September 19

Building Demolition

• September 16 – October 1

Site work

• October 2 – October 25

Questions or concerns regarding this disruption can be directed to Audrey Marcinco-Jerris, 204-979-4013.