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Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have unveiled a novel wearable sensor designed for continuous, non-invasive detection of solid-state biomarkers directly from the skin. This advancement promises to revolutionise health monitoring by overcoming the limitations associated with traditional biomarker detection methods.
The newly developed sensor is a stretchable, hydrogel-based device capable of real-time measurement of biomarkers such as cholesterol and lactate. These biomarkers are critical for the early detection of diseases and the monitoring of physiological conditions. Traditional biomarker detection methods often require invasive biofluid samples, such as blood, urine, or sweat, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient.
In contrast, the wearable sensor provides a non-invasive alternative by detecting biomarkers directly from the skin. It features a bilayer hydrogel structure consisting of an ionic conductive layer and an electronically conductive layer. The sensor is designed to interact with biomarkers found in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. When the sensor is worn, biomarkers dissolve into the ionic conductive hydrogel layer, diffuse through its matrix, and undergo electrochemical reactions facilitated by enzymes at the interface with the electronically conductive hydrogel layer.
One of the standout features of this sensor is its ability to provide continuous, real-time monitoring without the need for sweat induction or invasive procedures. Traditional methods such as blood tests and urine analyses, while effective, often come with limitations. Blood tests can be invasive and inconvenient, while urine analyses can be cumbersome and lack real-time capability. Sweat-based methods, though non-invasive, face challenges in inducing sweat and can be uncomfortable due to sweat-inducing drugs. The new sensor circumvents these issues by detecting biomarkers directly from the skin.
The sensor’s design reduces motion artefacts – errors caused by user movement that affect sensor placement and contact pressure – by a factor of three compared to conventional sensors. This significant improvement ensures consistent and reliable readings. Additionally, the sensor’s sensitivity is comparable to that of mass spectrometry, allowing for the precise detection of biomarkers even at low concentrations.
The development of this wearable sensor has substantial implications for health monitoring and disease detection. It offers a promising alternative to traditional blood tests, particularly for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hyperlipoproteinemia. By providing real-time data on biomarkers, the sensor can facilitate early diagnosis and continuous monitoring, which are crucial for effective disease management.
For athletes, the sensor provides valuable insights into lactate levels, an indicator of exhaustion and tissue hypoxia, which can impact performance. Its application extends to various fields, including chronic disease management, population-wide health screening, remote patient monitoring, and sports physiology.
Furthermore, the sensor has the potential to replace traditional methods for monitoring glucose levels in diabetic patients. For instance, it could serve as a non-invasive alternative to the glucose tolerance test used during pregnancy, reducing the need for multiple blood draws and offering a more convenient monitoring solution.
The research team plans to enhance the sensor’s performance by increasing its operational time and sensitivity. Future developments include integrating additional solid-state analytes to expand the sensor’s applicability to other biomarkers. The researchers are also collaborating with hospitals for additional clinical validation and to bring the technology to patients, focusing on continuous glucose monitoring and quantitative assessment of dynamic resilience.
The innovative wearable sensor developed by NUS and A*STAR represents a significant advancement in health monitoring technology. By enabling continuous, non-invasive detection of solid-state biomarkers, this sensor addresses key limitations of traditional methods and holds promise for improving disease management and overall health monitoring.
