Second skin: Microfluidic patch analyzes sweat during exercise
It turns out, sweat can tell you more than just when it's time to find a tall glass of lemonade. Researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, have developed a patch that measures the wearer’s perspiration to show how his or her body is responding to exercise.
Applied directly to the skin, the patch is roughly the size of a quarter and can monitor key biomarkers regarding hydration and glucose levels.
“The intimate skin interface created by this wearable, skin-like microfluidic system enables new measurement capabilities not possible with the kinds of absorbent pads and sponges currently used in sweat collection,” said John A. Rogers, who led the multi-institution research team.
Developers of the patch claim the sweat analysis device features a number of innovations, including:
- The device can capture, store and analyze sweat in situ in real-time.
- The device can quantitatively determine biomarker levels using colorimetric analysis.
- A power source is not required to display the results; instead, a smartphone camera and app are used to read the biomarker change.
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Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.