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Yang M, Sun N, Lai X, Zhao X, Zhou W. Advances in Non-Electrochemical Sensing of Human Sweat Biomarkers: From Sweat Sampling to Signal Reading. Biosensors (Basel) 2023; 14:17. [PMID: 38248394 PMCID: PMC10813192 DOI: 10.3390/bios14010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Sweat, commonly referred to as the ultrafiltrate of blood plasma, is an essential physiological fluid in the human body. It contains a wide range of metabolites, electrolytes, and other biologically significant markers that are closely linked to human health. Compared to other bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat offers distinct advantages in terms of ease of collection and non-invasive detection. In recent years, considerable attention has been focused on wearable sweat sensors due to their potential for continuous monitoring of biomarkers. Electrochemical methods have been extensively used for in situ sweat biomarker analysis, as thoroughly reviewed by various researchers. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in non-electrochemical methods for analyzing sweat, including colorimetric methods, fluorescence techniques, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and more. The review covers multiple aspects of non-electrochemical sweat analysis, encompassing sweat sampling methodologies, detection techniques, signal processing, and diverse applications. Furthermore, it highlights the current bottlenecks and challenges faced by non-electrochemical sensors, such as limitations and interference issues. Finally, the review concludes by offering insights into the prospects for non-electrochemical sensing technologies. By providing a valuable reference and inspiring researchers engaged in the field of sweat sensor development, this paper aspires to foster the creation of innovative and practical advancements in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingpeng Yang
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China (X.Z.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Nan Sun
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaochen Lai
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China (X.Z.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Xingqiang Zhao
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China (X.Z.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Wangping Zhou
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China (X.Z.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
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Yang M, Liu Y, Yang W, Liu J. Thread-Embedded-in-PDMS Wearable Strain Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Human Joint Motion. Micromachines (Basel) 2023; 14:2250. [PMID: 38138419 PMCID: PMC10746070 DOI: 10.3390/mi14122250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Real-time monitoring of human joint motion holds paramount importance in assessing joint health status, preventing and treating joint diseases, and evaluating physical flexibility and coordination. However, traditional strain sensors face limitations in meeting the substantial strain requirements associated with human joint motion. Recently, there has been considerable attention directed towards flexible strain sensors prepared using pliable substrates combined with silk and cotton fabrics. Nonetheless, these sensors exhibit insufficient linearity across the entire measurement range, thereby compromising the predictability of real joint motion based on the output signal. This paper introduced a flexible strain sensor designed to address this issue by offering an enhanced range and high linearity. Specifically, the core wire of the strain sensor was produced by coating a polybutylene terephthalate thread with conductive carbon ink integrated with carbon nanotubes, encapsulated in a thin layer of polydimethylsiloxane in an "S" configuration. The proposed strain sensor maintained excellent linearity within its strain range of 60%, along with advantages such as rapid response speed and robust durability. On-trial tests further affirmed the sensor's capability to effectively monitor the motion of human joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingpeng Yang
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China; (M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Yongquan Liu
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China; (M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- School of Atmospheric and Remote Sensing, Wuxi University, 333 Xishan Avenue, Wuxi 214105, China;
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China; (M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
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Yang M, Sun N, Lai X, Li Y, Zhao X, Wu J, Zhou W. Screen-Printed Wearable Sweat Sensor for Cost-Effective Assessment of Human Hydration Status through Potassium and Sodium Ion Detection. Micromachines (Basel) 2023; 14:1497. [PMID: 37630034 PMCID: PMC10456468 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Human sweat is intricately linked to human health, and unraveling its secrets necessitates a substantial volume of experimental data. However, conventional sensors fabricated via complex processes such as photolithography offer high detection precision at the expense of prohibitive costs. In this study, we presented a cost-effective and high-performance wearable flexible sweat sensor for real-time monitoring of K+ and Na+ concentrations in human sweat, fabricated using screen printing technology. Initially, we evaluated the electrical and electrochemical stability of the screen-printed substrate electrodes, which demonstrated good consistency with a variation within 10% of the relative standard deviation (RSD), meeting the requirements for reliable detection of K+ and Na+ in human sweat. Subsequently, we employed an "ion-electron" transduction layer and an ion-selective membrane to construct the sensors for detecting K+ and Na+. Comprehensive tests were conducted to assess the sensors' sensitivity, linearity, repeatability, resistance to interference, and mechanical deformation capabilities. Furthermore, we evaluated their long-term stability during continuous monitoring and storage. The test results confirmed that the sensor's performance indicators, as mentioned above, met the requirements for analyzing human sweat. In a 10-day continuous and regular monitoring experiment involving volunteers wearing the sensors, a wealth of data revealed a close relationship between K+ and Na+ concentrations in human sweat and hydration status. Notably, we observed that consistent and regular physical exercise effectively enhanced the body's resistance to dehydration. These findings provided a solid foundation for conducting extensive experiments and further exploring the intricate relationship between human sweat and overall health. Our research paved a practical and feasible path for future studies in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingpeng Yang
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China; (N.S.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Nan Sun
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China; (N.S.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaochen Lai
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China; (N.S.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Yanjie Li
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China; (N.S.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xingqiang Zhao
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China; (N.S.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Jiamin Wu
- Nanjing NARI Information and Communication Technology, Co., Ltd., 19 Chengxin Road, Nanjing 211106, China;
| | - Wangping Zhou
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China; (N.S.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre on Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
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