Abstract
Skin models offer an in vitro alternative to human trials without their high costs, variability, and ethical issues. Perspiration models, in particular, have gained relevance lately due to the rise of sweat analysis and wearable technology. The predominant approach to replicate the key features of perspiration (sweat gland dimensions, sweat rates, and skin surface characteristics) is to use laser-machined membranes. Although they work effectively, they present some limitations at the time of replicating sweat gland dimensions. Alternative strategies in terms of fabrication and materials have also showed similar challenges. Additional research is necessary to implement a standardized, simple, and accurate model representing sweating for wearable sensors testing.
Highlights
Recent Impact of Microfluidics onThe skin is our first interface with the surrounding environment, simultaneously acting as a protective barrier and a sensing platform
The predominant approach to replicate the key features of perspiration is to use lasermachined membranes
From the dimensions and sweat generation, we proposed a microfluidic equivalent to a sweat gland using Poiseuille flow [32] (Figure 2a)
Summary
The skin is our first interface with the surrounding environment, simultaneously acting as a protective barrier and a sensing platform. The simplest models consist in a flat plate or a cylindric surface such a porous sintered metal heated up to 35 oC and used as sweat generator (ISO 11092:2014) [17] Such systems often use metals and have limited replication of mechanical properties and thermal inertia of skin [2]. These manikins are highly costly due to the intricate heating and sweating supplies, limiting the sweating simulation to a manageable number of tubes and holes, reducing the accuracy of the model Other manikins such as Walter [20] use a waterproof and breathable fabric to simulate skin that contains water in circulation, which emulates blood circulation. This paper presents the technical challenges in the fabrication of these models and how they were addressed
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