Monitoring biomolecule concentrations in tissue using a wearable droplet microfluidic-based sensor

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Wearable Technology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Monitoring biomarker levels in biological fluids provides critical insights into tissue physiology and pathology.
• Personalized clinical treatment can be informed by understanding temporal variations in biomarker concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a wearable sensor for continuous, in situ monitoring of biomolecule levels in biological fluids.
• To enable high-frequency measurements for rapid detection of deviations from steady-state biomarker levels.

Main Methods:

• A wearable sensor integrating continuous fluid sampling with in situ wet-chemical assays was developed.
• A microfluidic device utilizing a droplet flow regime and a peristaltic micropump for nanolitre droplet generation was employed.
• The fully integrated, palm-sized, autonomous sensor achieves high measurement frequency (seconds).

Main Results:

• The sensor successfully tracked perturbed glucose and lactate levels in dermal tissue.
• Results demonstrated close agreement with standard off-line analysis methods.
• Sensor readings were consistent with changes observed in peripheral blood levels.

Conclusions:

• The developed wearable sensor enables real-time monitoring of key biomarkers.
• This technology has the potential to inform personalized clinical treatment and improve patient management.
• Continuous, high-frequency biomarker monitoring offers valuable diagnostic and prognostic capabilities.