Harvesting and manipulating sweat and interstitial fluid in microfluidic devices

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Microfluidic devices have emerged for sweat and interstitial fluid (ISF) sensing since the mid-2010s.
• Prototypes utilize various materials (silicone, polymer, paper, fiber) for biofluid transport and manipulation.
• Current devices primarily focus on sensing sweat rate, electrolytes, and metabolites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of microfluidics in sweat and ISF management and transport.
• To focus on the fundamental microfluidic principles governing biofluid generation, transport, extraction, and management.
• To identify challenges and prospects for transitioning microfluidic prototypes to clinical applications and personalized healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on microfluidic devices for biofluid sensing.
• Analysis of microfluidic principles including flow control, surface morphology, and evaporation.
• Discussion of device development from laboratory testing to clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Numerous microfluidic prototypes have been developed for in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo sensing.
• Effective control of fluid flow, channel surface, and evaporation enables sample management.
• A limited number of devices have progressed to clinical trials and commercialization.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidics shows significant potential for sweat and ISF management in wearable sensors.
• Further development is needed to overcome challenges in clinical translation and commercialization.
• Focusing on microfluidic principles can accelerate the development of personalized healthcare monitoring systems.