A groundbreaking advancement in wearable biosensing technology has emerged from the work of Komeili, Sanati Nezhad, and collaborators, who recently introduced a skin-mounted microfluidic device capable of autonomous sampling and sensing of body fluids—including sweat, saliva, and interstitial fluid—without requiring any external power source.
Capillary Microfluidics: Power-Free Fluid Control
This next-generation wearable technology leverages capillary microfluidics, a technique that utilizes natural fluid forces (e.g., surface tension and capillary action) to drive fluid flow, thereby eliminating the need for pumps or batteries.
Key Features of the Smart Design
- Scheduled and Continuous Sampling:
- Fluids are collected at regular intervals with steady flow rates, enabling real-time monitoring.
- Sampling can occur directly on the skin or be transferred off the skin for external analysis.
- Evaporation-Controlled Intake:
- Fluid intake is regulated through evaporative reservoirs and burst valves, allowing for precise control.
- Anti-Clogging and Stability Enhancements:
- Multilayer microchannels and hydrophilic interfaces prevent clogging, backflow, and evaporation losses.
Multiplexed Biomarker Detection
The device integrates electrochemical and optical biosensors to measure a wide range of biomarkers, including:
| Biomarker | Health Insight Provided |
|---|---|
| Cortisol | Stress and hormonal balance |
| Glucose | Blood sugar levels and diabetes monitoring |
| Lactate | Physical exertion and metabolic activity |
| pH & Electrolytes | Hydration and acid-base balance |
Toward Closed-Loop Therapeutics
The ultimate vision for this technology is a closed-loop therapeutic system that enables multiplex detection and automated health management, potentially revolutionizing personalized medicine and remote diagnostics.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, several hurdles remain:
- Biocompatibility: Long-term skin integration and safety need validation.
- Clinical Testing: Extensive trials are required to confirm accuracy and reliability.
- Scalable Manufacturing: Cost-effective production methods must be developed for widespread adoption
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/lc/d5lc00536a
