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Headset-Type Biofluorometric Gas Sensor with CMOS for Transcutaneous Ethanol from the Ear Canal.
Geng Zhang1, Di Huang2, Kenta Ichikawa1
1Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science Tokyo, 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 13, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a wearable headset sensor for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of transcutaneous ethanol in the ear canal using biofluorescence. The device accurately tracks alcohol metabolism in real-time, offering a novel approach for health assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Continuous, non-invasive monitoring of transcutaneous ethanol is crucial for assessing alcohol metabolism and related health conditions.
- Existing methods for ethanol detection often lack real-time capabilities or require invasive procedures.
- Development of sensitive and selective biosensors for volatile organic compounds in skin gas is an active area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a headset-type biofluorometric gas sensor for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of transcutaneous ethanol in the ear canal.
- To optimize sensor components, including enzyme immobilization and optical configurations, for enhanced performance.
- To evaluate the system's accuracy, selectivity, and practical applicability in human subjects.
Main Methods:
- A headset sensor integrating a CMOS camera, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme immobilized on cotton mesh, UV-LED excitation, and optical filters was designed.
- NADH fluorescence generated from ethanol oxidation was quantified using optimized dual convex lenses for improved fluorescence collection.
- System performance was evaluated for detection range, selectivity against interfering compounds, and real-time monitoring in human subjects after alcohol consumption.
Main Results:
- The optimized sensor achieved a 3.5-fold increase in fluorescence collection efficiency and utilized Iwatsuki cotton mesh for superior enzyme immobilization.
- The system demonstrated a dynamic detection range of 10 ppb to 10 ppm for gaseous ethanol with high selectivity.
- Human experiments showed dose-dependent fluorescence responses correlating with alcohol intake, validating real-time monitoring capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The developed headset-type biofluorometric sensor enables continuous, unrestrained monitoring of ear canal ethanol.
- This wearable platform offers a novel approach for non-invasive alcohol metabolism assessment.
- Potential applications include health monitoring, clinical research, and personalized interventions related to alcohol consumption.
