Development of a wearable microfluidic amperometric sensor based on spatial three-electrode system for sweat glucose
Guodong Liu1, Xiaolong Dou2, Pinna Zhang3
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China; Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, 314011, China.
Talanta
|April 11, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel wearable microfluidic glucose sensor with a three-electrode system (TES) for sweat analysis. The device offers comparable sensitivity to nanomaterial sensors without the associated cost and durability issues.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Biosensors
- Wearable technology
Background:
- Amperometric glucose sensors often rely on nanomaterials for enhanced sensitivity, but this increases cost, complexity, and reduces durability.
- A need exists for cost-effective, durable, and sensitive glucose monitoring solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a wearable microfluidic amperometric sensor with a spatially arranged three-electrode system (TES) for sweat glucose analysis.
- To optimize sensor design through simulations and electrochemical measurements for improved performance.
Main Methods:
- Sensor design optimization using simulations and cyclic voltammetry to determine ideal electrode geometry and arrangement.
- Fabrication utilizing laser cutting, screen printing, and layer-by-layer assembly.
- In-vitro characterization and in-vivo sweat glucose monitoring.
Main Results:
- The optimized spatially arranged TES demonstrated excellent linearity and specificity.
- The sensor achieved a detection sensitivity of approximately 7.2 μA/mM, comparable to nanomaterial-based sensors.
- Real-time sweat glucose monitoring in subjects validated the device's reliability and practicality.
Conclusions:
- The developed wearable microfluidic amperometric glucose sensor provides a cost-effective and durable alternative to nanomaterial-based sensors.
- This device is suitable for practical, real-time monitoring of sweat glucose levels.
- The spatially arranged TES design is a key innovation for enhanced sensor performance.
