A self-powered wireless sweat-analysis patch for real-time monitoring physiological status

Abstract

For both professional and amateur athletes, perspiration analysis technique is considered as a powerful tool for real-time monitoring the athletes’ physiological status during sports. This study presents an innovative self-powered wireless sweat-analysis patch worn on the skin for real-time monitoring chloride concentration and pH levels in perspiration. The patch consists of two main components: self-powered unit and sensing unit. The power unit, made of piezoelectric ceramic materials, converts mechanical energy during exercise into electrical energy to drive the whole system. The sensing unit has the functions of sampling and analyzing the sweat, and wireless communication. Through an exactly designed hydrophobic and hydrophilic composite microchannel structure, sweat is effectively guided to the storage chamber. The colorimetric fabrics embedded in the chamber respond to the presence of chloride ions and pH levels in the sweat, producing a color-changing reaction. Color sensors above the fabrics detects these color changes for analyzing the sweat, while Near Field Communication (NFC) technology wirelessly transmits this information to outside mobile devices or data-collection cloud. This system not only provides a new avenue for real-time monitoring of athletes’ health status but also offers a scientific basis for adjusting training plans.