Abstract
Versatile sensing matrixes are essential for the development of enzyme-immobilized optical biosensors. A novel three-dimensional titanium dioxide nanotubes/alginate hydrogel scaffold is proposed for the detection of sweat biomarkers, lactate, and glucose in artificial sweat. Hydrothermally synthesized titanium dioxide nanotubes were introduced to the alginate polymeric matrix, followed by cross-linking nanocomposite with dicationic calcium ions to fabricate the scaffold platform. Rapid colorimetric detection (blue color optical signal) was carried out for both lactate and glucose biomarkers in artificial sweat at 4 and 6 min, respectively. The superhydrophilicity and the capillarity of the synthesized titanium dioxide nanotubes, when incorporated into the alginate matrix, facilitate the rapid transfer of the artificial sweat components throughout the sensor scaffold, decreasing the detection times. Moreover, the scaffold was integrated on a cellulose paper to demonstrate the adaptability of the material to other matrixes, obtaining fast and homogeneous colorimetric detection of lactate and glucose in the paper substrate when image analysis was performed. The properties of this new composite provide new avenues in the development of paper-based sensor devices. The biocompatibility, the efficient immobilization of biological enzymes/colorimetric assays, and the quick optical signal readout behavior of the titanium dioxide nanotubes/alginate hydrogel scaffolds provide a prospective opportunity for integration into wearable devices.
Highlights
Real-time sweat analysis opens a noninvasive route to gather valuable information on the variability of biomolecule and ion concentrations over time, where sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, ammonia, glucose, and lactate are important parameters used to monitor sports performance and health.[1−3] For instance, lactate is an important biomarker, acting as a vital metabolite in the anaerobic metabolic pathway.[4]
Blood lactate is usually monitored during physical performance since its production is activated by the anaerobic metabolism to provide the required energy to the body by glucose breakdown.[4−6] Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that sweat lactate increases with blood lactate levels after intense workouts or physical activities.[7,8]
We have introduced a novel platform based on a titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs)/alginate hydrogel scaffold for lactate and glucose monitoring in artificial sweat
Summary
Real-time sweat analysis opens a noninvasive route to gather valuable information on the variability of biomolecule and ion concentrations over time, where sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, ammonia, glucose, and lactate are important parameters used to monitor sports performance and health.[1−3] For instance, lactate is an important biomarker, acting as a vital metabolite in the anaerobic metabolic pathway.[4]. In particular colorimetric sensing, provides simpler signal readout capabilities It offers rapid quantification of certain analytes, measuring their color variation by absorbance measurements or analyzing color parameters, such as RGB or HUE, by image analysis.[15,18−20] Thereby, colorimetric detection of biomarkers in sweat becomes simple, cheap, and implementable in wearable devices.[18,21]. In this regard, researchers have investigated different sensing platforms for colorimetric sweat biomarker detection. We integrated the scaffold to a paper substrate by in situ hydrogel polymerization to enhance sensing and signal readout performance of the paper matrix
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