Tech Briefs Magazine - May 2022 - 26

Sensors
(poly-dimethyl-siloxane) containing a
round cavity designed to be precisely
aligned with the sensor. Inside this
void, a flexible permanent magnet was
integrated with pyramid-like tips protruding
from its surface. Even under
curved conditions, it works without
losing its functionality; thus, it can be
placed on the fingertip.
This electronic skin - in addition to virtual
reality spaces - could also be used,
for example, in sterile environments.
Surgeons could use the sensors to handle
medical equipment without touching it
during a procedure, which would reduce
the danger of contamination.
For more information, contact Dr. Denys
The electronic sensor can process touchless as well as tactile signals. This " electronic skin " could
provide a better interface between humans and machines. (Photo: HZDR/D. Makarov)
Makarov, Institute of Ion Beam Physics and
Materials Research at HZDR, at d.makarov@
hzdr.de; +49 351 260-3273.
Detecting Health Markers in Thread-Based, Wearable
Sweat Sensors
Real-time measurement of electrolytes and metabolites could be used to diagnose and
monitor disease or track performance.
Tufts University, Medford, MA
E
ngineers have created a flexible electronic
sensing patch that can be sewn
into clothing to analyze sweat for multiple
markers. The patch could be used to
diagnose and monitor acute and chronic
health conditions or to monitor health
during athletic or workplace performance.
The device consists of special
sensing threads, flexible electronic components,
and wireless connectivity for
real-time data acquisition, storage, and
processing.
Typical consumer health monitors can
track heart rate, temperature, glucose,
walking distance, and other gross measurements;
however, a more detailed
understanding of the health, stress,
and performance of an individual is required
for medical data collection or
high-performance athletic or military
applications. In particular, metabolic
markers, such as electrolytes and other
biological molecules, provide a more direct
indicator of human health for accurate
assessment of athletic performance,
workplace safety, clinical diagnosis, and
managing chronic health conditions.
The patch device performs real-time
measurements of important biomarkers
present in sweat including sodium
and ammonium ions (electrolytes), lac26
Lactate
curve from sweat sensor during exercise. (Photo: Tufts University)
tate (a metabolite), and acidity (pH).
The device platform can also incorporate
a wide range of sensors capable of
tracking nearly every marker present
in sweat. The measurements taken can
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have useful diagnostic applications:
sodium from sweat can indicate the
hydration status and electrolyte imbalance
in a body; lactate concentration
can be an indicator of muscle fatigue;
Tech Briefs, May 2022
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Tech Briefs Magazine - May 2022

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