Wearable Biosensors for Continuous Monitoring of Chronic Kidney Disease: Materials, Biofluids, and Digital Health

Anupamaa Sivasubramanian1,2, Shankara Narayanan1,3, Gymama Slaughter1,4

  • 1Center for Bioelectronics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA.

Biosensors
|May 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Wearable biosensors offer continuous monitoring for chronic kidney disease (CKD), moving beyond traditional lab tests. These advanced devices promise earlier detection and personalized treatment for renal function management.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nephrology
  • Wearable Technology

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 850 million globally, posing a significant health burden.
  • Current CKD diagnostics rely on intermittent lab tests (serum creatinine, eGFR, urinary albumin), lacking real-time physiological insights.
  • Wearable biosensors present a novel approach for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of renal function markers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advancements in wearable biosensors for monitoring chronic kidney disease.
  • To analyze sensing mechanisms, biofluid interfaces, and material strategies for CKD biosensors.
  • To discuss challenges and emerging solutions for clinical translation and the role of AI in digital nephrology.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of wearable biosensor technologies for CKD.
  • Analysis of electrochemical, optical, and FET sensing mechanisms.
  • Evaluation of biofluid interfaces (sweat, interstitial fluid, saliva) and material engineering.

Main Results:

  • Wearable biosensors utilize diverse sensing mechanisms and biofluid interfaces for CKD monitoring.
  • Material innovations enable flexible, high-performance devices with potential for system integration.
  • Key challenges include biofouling and enzymatic instability, with solutions like antifouling interfaces and synthetic recognition elements emerging.

Conclusions:

  • Wearable biosensors hold significant potential to revolutionize CKD management.
  • Continuous monitoring can lead to earlier detection and personalized therapeutic interventions.
  • Integration with digital health platforms and AI can enhance nephrology care.

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