Fluid Domain-Limited Ag Nanoparticles on Janus Fabric for SERS-Based Label-Free Sweat Detection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Wearable biosensors offer noninvasive methods for real-time biomarker monitoring in sweat.
• Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enables simultaneous detection of multiple analytes using molecular vibration spectra.
• Efficient moisture management is crucial for effective sweat sampling in wearable devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible SERS sensor integrated with Janus fabric for human sweat analysis.
• To enhance sweat collection and analyte enrichment using tailored fabric properties.
• To investigate the moisture management and SERS enhancement mechanisms through simulation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Janus fabric functionalized with silver (Ag) nanoparticles.
• Design of hydrophobic and hydrophilic patterns for moisture transport and analyte enrichment.
• Integration of the fabric into a wearable sensor for sweat detection.
• Utilizing simulation to explain moisture management and SERS enhancement.

Main Results:

• The developed Janus fabric demonstrated efficient moisture management properties.
• The SERS sensor successfully detected biomarkers in real human sweat samples.
• The platform showed potential for sensitive detection of highly diluted biochemical samples.

Conclusions:

• A novel SERS-active fabric was fabricated with excellent performance for sweat detection.
• The study provides a new approach for textile-based rapid detection of biochemical samples.
• This work supports the theoretical basis and technical development for wearable biosensors.