Recent Advances in Skin Chemical Sensors

Sensors (Basel). 2019 Oct 10;19(20):4376. doi: 10.3390/s19204376.

Abstract

This review summarizes the latest developments in the field of skin chemical sensors, in particular wearable ones. Five major applications are covered in the present work: (i) sweat analysis, (ii) skin hydration, (iii) skin wounds, (iv) perspiration of volatile organic compounds, and (v) general skin conditions. For each application, the detection of the most relevant analytes is described in terms of transduction principles and sensor performances. Special attention is paid to the biological fluid collection and storage and devices are also analyzed in terms of reusability and lifetime. This review highlights the existing gaps between current performances and those needed to promote effective commercialization of sensors; future developments are also proposed.

Keywords: diabetes; flexible; printed electronics; skin sensors; smart dressings; smart tattoos; sweat; wearable.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Sensation / physiology*
  • Skin / chemistry*
  • Sweat / chemistry
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / chemistry
  • Wearable Electronic Devices

Substances

  • Volatile Organic Compounds