Battery-free, skin-interfaced microfluidic/electronic systems for simultaneous electrochemical, colorimetric, and volumetric analysis of sweat

Sci Adv. 2019 Jan 18;5(1):eaav3294. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aav3294. eCollection 2019 Jan.

Abstract

Wearable sweat sensors rely either on electronics for electrochemical detection or on colorimetry for visual readout. Non-ideal form factors represent disadvantages of the former, while semiquantitative operation and narrow scope of measurable biomarkers characterize the latter. Here, we introduce a battery-free, wireless electronic sensing platform inspired by biofuel cells that integrates chronometric microfluidic platforms with embedded colorimetric assays. The resulting sensors combine advantages of electronic and microfluidic functionality in a platform that is significantly lighter, cheaper, and smaller than alternatives. A demonstration device simultaneously monitors sweat rate/loss, pH, lactate, glucose, and chloride. Systematic studies of the electronics, microfluidics, and integration schemes establish the key design considerations and performance attributes. Two-day human trials that compare concentrations of glucose and lactate in sweat and blood suggest a potential basis for noninvasive, semi-quantitative tracking of physiological status.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bioelectric Energy Sources
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Chlorides / analysis
  • Colorimetry / methods*
  • Glucose / analysis
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Lactic Acid / analysis
  • Male
  • Microfluidics / methods*
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Sweat / chemistry*
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Lactic Acid
  • Glucose