Adaptively resettable microfluidic patch for sweat rate and electrolytes detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Skin-interfaced microfluidic patches are used for sweat analysis.
• Current limitations include difficulty in microchannel reuse and restricted volumetric capacity, hindering practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an adaptively resettable microfluidic sweat patch (Art-Sweat patch) for continuous sweat rate and ionic charge concentration monitoring.
• To enhance the stability and volumetric capacity of microfluidic sweat sensors for practical hydration assessment.

Main Methods:

• Developed a platform with combined vertical and horizontal microchannels for repeated sweat filling and emptying.
• Integrated adaptive volume variation identification for sensor resetting.
• Incorporated self-designed wireless transmission modules for data monitoring.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated continuous monitoring of sweat rate (0.2-4.0 μL min⁻¹) and ionic charge concentration (10-200 mmol L⁻¹).
• Achieved an enlarged volumetric capacity exceeding 300 μL with enhanced stability.
• Showcased product-level wearability and high performance in monitoring regional sweat variations.

Conclusions:

• The Art-Sweat patch offers a solution for the reusability and capacity limitations of current sweat sensors.
• The device enables accurate and continuous monitoring of sweat biomarkers for effective hydration status assessment.
• This technology holds promise for practical applications in wearable health monitoring.