Plasmonic wearable adhesive patch for a SERS-based sweat sensor

Vineeth Puravankara ¹, Anusree Morayi ¹, Swithin Hanosh ¹

⁰Manipal Institute of Applied Physics, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Manipal 576104 India sajan.george@manipal.edu.

Rsc Advances +

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April 18, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed a wearable patch for molecular fingerprinting of body fluids. This surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor accurately detects urea and lactate in sweat, advancing personalized healthcare devices.

Area Of Science

Biomedical Engineering
Analytical Chemistry
Materials Science

Background

Wearable sensors for molecular fingerprinting of body fluids are crucial for personalized healthcare.
Existing technologies face challenges in direct skin application and nanoparticle exposure.

Purpose Of The Study

To design and develop a novel two-layer paper-based wearable patch for sensitive and selective detection of sweat components.
To optimize the patch for skin adhesion and ensure safe integration of nanoparticles and laser excitation.

Main Methods

A two-layer paper substrate was fabricated: one layer for skin adhesion (polydimethylsiloxane and oleic acid) and another for Raman signal enhancement (in situ reduced nanoparticles).
The adhesive mixture's volume ratio was optimized for maximum adhesion.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was employed for molecular fingerprinting of sweat components.

Main Results

The plasmonic paper achieved excellent limits of detection for urea (55.9 μM) and lactate (47.8 μM).
Multiplexed detection of urea and lactate directly from sweat was successfully demonstrated using the skin-adhesive patch.
The patch design prevented direct skin exposure to nanoparticles and the excitation laser.

Conclusions

The developed SERS patch is a promising wearable healthcare sensor for molecular fingerprinting of body fluids.
This technology opens new possibilities for wearable personalized healthcare devices.