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A programmable epidermal microfluidic valving system for wearable biofluid management and contextual biomarker
Haisong Lin1, Jiawei Tan1,2, Jialun Zhu1,2
1Interconnected & Integrated Bioelectronics Lab (I²BL), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Nature Communications
|September 4, 2020
Summary
This study presents a programmable microfluidic system for wearable devices to manage biofluids like sweat. It enables accurate, real-time biomarker analysis on the skin for personalized health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Wearable bioanalytical platforms require effective active biofluid management for real-time biomarker monitoring.
- Existing systems face challenges with biofluid sampling, routing, and flow rate variability.
- Autonomous and accurate biomarker measurement in sweat is crucial for personalized health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a programmable epidermal microfluidic valving system for autonomous biofluid management.
- To enable precise sampling, routing, and compartmentalization of biofluids for biomarker analysis.
- To enhance the capabilities of wearable bioanalytical platforms through active fluid control.
Main Methods:
- A microfluidic system utilizing individually-addressable microheater-controlled thermo-responsive hydrogel valves was designed.
- A pressure regulation mechanism was integrated to manage pressure variations during sweat gland interfacing.
- The system was integrated with a wireless flexible printed circuit board for communication with consumer electronics.
Main Results:
- The system achieved programmable control over biofluid sampling, routing, and compartmentalization.
- Active biofluid control decoupled flow rate variability, improving sensor accuracy.
- Enabled context-based sensor selection and protection for enhanced analytical capabilities.
- Demonstrated on-body biomarker data acquisition and display via seamless communication with smartwatches.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic valving system offers unprecedented control over biofluid management in wearable devices.
- This technology significantly advances the potential for real-time, on-body biomarker analysis.
- The system paves the way for sophisticated, context-aware wearable health monitoring solutions.
