Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have created a new type of band-aid or plaster that can monitor health indicators in sweat, offering a non-invasive method for patients to track their well-being. This innovation utilizes biomarkers such as glucose, lactate, and urea found in sweat, which can reveal important health information without the need for invasive procedures.
Traditionally, diabetic patients rely on painful finger prick tests to measure blood glucose levels. These tests involve collecting a drop of blood on a strip and inserting it into a glucose meter. Alternatively, sensor-based devices can be used, but they are costly and require extended attachment to the skin.
The NTU team’s solution involves embedding a microlaser into liquid crystal droplets within a soft hydrogel film, creating a flexible and compact sensing device akin to a plaster. This device provides accurate biomarker readings quickly and comfortably.
Assistant Professor Chen Yu-Cheng from NTU’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Director of the Centre for Biodevices and Bioinformatics highlighted the benefits: “Our innovation offers a non-invasive and efficient method for diabetic patients to monitor their health. By integrating a microlaser with a soft hydrogel film, we have demonstrated the feasibility of using wearable lasers for more comfortable health monitoring.”
The research, published in Analytical Chemistry, supports NTU’s strategic plan, NTU 2025, which aims to apply innovative research for societal benefit and improved public health.
The plaster device developed by NTU detects multiple biomarkers by incorporating microlasers customized to detect glucose, lactate, and urea. Each biomarker is distinguished by a different colored liquid crystal dot on the plaster. When sweat interacts with the plaster, the microlasers emit light that varies based on biomarker concentrations. Users can then analyze this light using a mobile app to assess their health status.
In experiments, the plaster accurately detected minute fluctuations in glucose, lactate, and urea levels in sweat, achieving a sensitivity of 0.001 millimeter, surpassing existing technologies by a factor of 100.
The NTU team believes their wearable device is the first of its kind capable of measuring multiple biomarkers in sweat with ultra-high sensitivity and dynamic range. This capability enables comprehensive health monitoring and potentially expands to track a wider range of substances in sweat, including medications and other chemicals.
Dr. Lin Chun-Hsien, MD, from the National Taiwan University Hospital, commented on the potential impact: “Patients with diabetes often face discomfort and anxiety related to frequent blood glucose monitoring. The laser-based, non-invasive wearable device developed by NTU Singapore offers a promising solution for more convenient and effective health monitoring. Its ability to measure additional biomarkers adds further value, providing comprehensive health data beneficial to both patients and healthcare providers.”
Moving forward, the NTU team plans to enhance their microlaser sensors to detect a broader array of substances, extending the applications of their innovative technology.
