Abstract
The field of biochemical sensing is evolving from the use of bulky apparatuses to the development of miniaturized systems allowing personal sensing and point of care analysis. We report a wearable platform capable of measuring the concentration of multiple electrolytes in sweat (Na+, K+, Cl−). The platform accesses sweat emerging through the skin, drawing it across solid-state ion-selective electrodes by capillary action. The electrolyte composition is monitored in real time by potentiometry. The sensor data is digitised and transmitted via Bluetooth to a mobile phone or laptop. The platform has been employed in on-body trials during controlled exercise.
Highlights
Wearable sensors represent a growing field of research and a significant industrial sector
Tetrahydrofuran (THF), 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (97%, EDOT), 4-tertbutyl-calix[4]arene-tetraacetic acid tetraethyl ester, valinomycin, tridodecylmethylammonium chloride (TDMACl), potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate (KTCPB), high molecular weight poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DOS), poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate) (PMMA-co-BMA), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were all purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, Ireland and were all of selectophore grade. 1-Hexyl3-methylimidazolium tris-(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (HMIM FAP) was purchased from
PEDOT (~0.8 mg per electrode) was deposited on the exposed surfaces of the electrodes by constant-potential electropolymerisation from 0.05 M solution of EDOT (97%) in EMIM NTf2 (99.5%), using a three-electrode setup consisting of the carbon ink working electrode, a Pt wire counter electrode and a bare Ag wire as pseudo-reference electrode
Summary
Wearable sensors represent a growing field of research and a significant industrial sector. Sweat represents a readily accessible biological fluid, and contains several analytes which can be indicative of the health status of the individual. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium ions are, for example, important in determining the hydration status in athletes, and people who work in harsh conditions. Their concentration may be altered in the sweat of people suffering from certain clinical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis [2]. We report an improved version of the platform which opens the road to the simultaneous real-time detection and measurement of the concentration of multiple analytes, demonstrated with Na+, K+ and Cl− sensors
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