Wearable, nanofiber-based microfluidic systems with integrated electrochemical and colorimetric sensing arrays for multiplex sweat analysis

Abstract

Wearable microfluidic sensors for sweat analysis are highly desirable for noninvasive monitoring of human health. However, previously reported hollow-structured microfluidic networks for sweat analysis have difficulty in avoiding the potential chemical harm to skin due to diffusion of soluble chemical reagents and cannot minimize the impairment of sensors caused by contaminants secreted from skin. Low-cost microfluidic sensors using alternative techniques are also required to enable inexpensive devices. Besides, incorporating multimodal sensors into one microfluidic device while maintaining its flexibility and miniaturization still possesses challenges. Herein, we reported a nanofiber-based microfluidic analysis system (NFMAS) for in situ sweat monitoring. Nanofibers served as the key element for microfluidic networks construction to spontaneously capture and route sweat. Dual-mode sensing arrays were embedded into the microfluidic network to protect each sensing unit from any disturbance. The NFMAS can conformally and innocuously bond to the skin surface and exhibited good performance in simultaneous quantification of glucose, lactate, pH, Cl− and urea by both electrochemistry and colorimetry modes. Human studies demonstrated that the NFMAS can provide continuous, multimodal information associated with sweat chemistry during physical exercise, revealing promising applications in real-time monitoring of human health.