This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

trusted source

proofread

New sweat monitoring device doesn't require physical activity

Monitoring diseases through sweat becomes accessible to everyone
Illustration and photograph of the device capable of drug delivery for sweat induction and simultaneous monitoring of biomarkers in sweat. Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

Sweat contains biomarkers that can monitor various health conditions, from diabetes to genetic disorders. Sweat sampling, unlike blood collection, is preferred by users due to its painless nature. However, to obtain sufficient nutrients or hormones from sweat for testing, intense physical activity was previously required to induce sweat. This method posed challenges for individuals with limited mobility.

Dr. Kim Joohee from the Bionics Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Professor John A. Rogers from Northwestern University have jointly announced the development of a convenient monitoring device that does not require but delivers stimulation through the skin. The work is published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics.

Unlike previous methods that induced sweat through exercise, this device delivers drugs that stimulate sweat glands through the skin.

The research team developed a flexible device capable of delivering drugs to sweat glands by applying a current to a hydrogel containing drugs. This device, which is small and soft, can be easily attached to the skin.

Sweat induced by the drug is collected in microfluidic channels within the device and analyzed for biomarkers using biosensors. This enables the analysis of biomarkers in sweat, reducing the need for cumbersome hospital visits for testing and lowering the risk of biomarker contamination during testing, thereby increasing accuracy.

Monitoring diseases through sweat becomes accessible to everyone
A child with the traditional wired device attached to the left arm and the developed device adhered to the right arm, delivering drugs to stimulate sweat glands. Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

The device developed by the research team was attached to infants with cystic fibrosis, and the chloride concentration, a in sweat, was confirmed. The results were consistent with those obtained from traditional analysis methods using sweat collected in hospitals, with an accuracy of over 98%.

Additionally, the stability of the device on the skin was ensured by confirming skin temperature and pH values. Since mainly manifests during infancy, continuous monitoring of disease progression and physical condition is necessary. With this device, monitoring can be easily done at home, reducing the psychological and physical stress on and their caregivers.

Monitoring diseases through sweat becomes accessible to everyone
(Left) Graph showing over 98% agreement between the traditional diagnostic method and the developed device's biomarker analysis results for five patients. (Right) Graph comparing the pain perception experienced by patients during disease monitoring using the traditional diagnostic method and the developed device. The graph indicates that the developed device causes less discomfort compared to the traditional diagnostic method. Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

This newly developed device contributes to the expansion of non-invasive disease monitoring technology based on sweat in healthy adults as well. Furthermore, the technology of delivering drugs through the skin can be utilized not only to induce sweat but also to increase the delivery rate of drugs in localized areas such as skin conditions or wounds, thereby accelerating recovery.

Dr. Kim Joohee stated, "Through two years of collaborative research with Northwestern University, we have not only addressed the limitations of existing methods for inducing sweat but also achieved success in , bringing us one step closer to commercialization."

Professor John A. Rogers added, "We plan to conduct large-scale clinical studies and commercialization, including adults, in the future."

More information: Joohee Kim et al, A skin-interfaced, miniaturized platform for triggered induction, capture and colorimetric multicomponent analysis of microliter volumes of sweat, Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116166

Journal information: Biosensors and Bioelectronics
Citation: New sweat monitoring device doesn't require physical activity (2024, May 28) retrieved 18 June 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-05-device-doesnt-require-physical.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Two-channel sensor measures biomarker concentration in sweat

1 shares

Feedback to editors