Wearable Au@Cu-MOF Carbon Nanofiber Biosensor for Monitoring Nutrients and Metabolites

Wearable sweat biosensors engineered for continuous measurement and real-time analysis of diverse health-related biomarkers have garnered considerable interest in recent years. Their excellent sensitivity, noninvasiveness, and point-of-care monitoring capabilities make them extremely desirable. Here, we report a wearable sweat sensor patch based on a composite of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified Copper MOF (Cu-MOF)-derived electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs) for the individual and simultaneous detection of uric acid (UA), tyrosine (Tyr), and other metabolites. The inherent properties of the Cu-MOF, including large surface area, tunable porosity, and accessible active sites, combined with the improved electron transfer and favorable electrical conductivity conferred by the AuNPs, rendered the Au@Cu-MOF material an exceptional electrocatalyst for the redox reactions of target biomarkers. The electrospun mesoporous carbon nanofibers enhanced the electrical conductivity and wettability of the composite, allowing it to function effectively as a working electrode in an electrochemical sensor system. Finally, we designed and validated a wearable sweat biosensor patch that detects sweat UA and Tyr in real-time using Au@Cu-MOF/PAN-CNF composite. The biosensor incorporates a lightweight circuit board that supports wireless transmission, making it a portable and convenient device for the continuous monitoring of human metabolism. Experimental results indicate that the sensor has the potential to be a next-generation wearable sweat sensor, exhibiting outstanding selectivity and reproducibility.