Wearable Plasmonic Paperfluidic for Sweat Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable sweat sensors rely on enzymes and antibodies as biorecognition elements, which are prone to degradation over time, compromising sensor performance and making continuous, sensitive, and specific analysis of sweat biomarkers challenging.
Innovation Solution
A wearable plasmonic paperfluidic system incorporating label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with plasmonic sensors based on gold nanorods (AuNRs) for continuous and simultaneous quantitative analysis of sweat loss, sweat rate, and metabolites, including uric acid, without the need for external pumps or force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If enzymes and antibodies are used as biorecognition elements in wearable sweat sensors, then specific quantification of metabolite and stress biomarkers is achieved, but sensor performance degrades over time due to degradation of these biorecognition elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable paper-based microfluidic device that integrates SERS-active substrates with sweat collection and analysis functions. The entire sensing system is designed as a single-use, low-cost device that eliminates the need for stable biorecognition elements by using label-free SERS detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the biochemical recognition system (enzymes and antibodies) with a physical/optical detection system based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. This substitution eliminates the degradation issue of biological molecules while maintaining the ability to specifically identify and quantify biomarkers through their unique Raman spectral fingerprints.
2Measurement precision
If label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is used for analyte identification, then chemical fingerprint information is provided for sensitive detection, but the system complexity increases due to integration of plasmonic sensors and microfluidic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microfluidic sweat collection channel, the SERS-active substrate, and the detection zone into a single integrated paper-based device. This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating separate components for fluid handling, sample preparation, and detection, while maintaining high sensitivity through the synergistic combination of microfluidic flow control and SERS enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible paper-based substrate that inherently provides microfluidic channels and houses the SERS-active nanostructures. This thin-film approach simplifies the overall device architecture by integrating multiple functions into a single flexible layer, reducing the complexity associated with assembling rigid plasmonic sensors and microfluidic components.
3Measurement precision
If paper microfluidic devices are used for sweat collection and analysis, then accurate quantification of sweat loss and sweat rate is enabled through well-defined flow characteristics, but the device must be soft, flexible, and stretchable to provide robust skin interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a paper-based microfluidic device that is inherently soft, flexible, and capable of stretching to conform to the skin surface. This flexible thin-film structure provides robust skin contact and comfortable wear while maintaining well-defined capillary flow channels that enable accurate quantification of sweat loss and sweat rate through controlled fluid transport.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides sensitive and specific detection and quantification of uric acid in sweat at physiological and pathological concentrations, with stable SERS enhancement and robust skin interface, enabling continuous, real-time biochemical analysis.
Implementation Method 1
Plasmonic sensors based on label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can provide chemical 'fingerprint' information for analyte identification
Implementation Method 2
The plasmonic sensors comprise surface ligands selected from the group consisting of antibodies, aptamers, small molecules, Raman reporters, peptides, and organic polymers
Implementation Method 3
The wearable systems provide sensitive detection and quantification of uric acid in sweat at physiological and pathological concentrations. The well-defined flow characteristics of paper microfluidic devices enable accurate quantification of sweat loss and sweat rate
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a wearable sensor. In some embodiments, the wearable sensor includes a double-sided adhesive layer, a paper microfluidic layer, and an encapsulation layer. In an additional embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method of biochemical analysis. In general, the method includes collecting biofluid from a subject via a wearable sensor and quantifying the biofluid. In some embodiments, the wearable sensor includes a double-sided adhesive layer and a paper microfluidic layer having a microfluidic channel in a serpentine configuration. In some embodiments the microfluidic channel includes an inlet to receive the biofluid, an outlet to collect the excess biofluid, and a plurality of plasmonic sensors.