Wearable Patch Biosensor through Electrothermal Film-Stimulated Sweat Secretion for Continuous Sweat Glucose Analysis at Rest

Abstract

Wearable patch biosensors for noninvasive and continuous diabetes management through sweat glucose analysis present a promising prospect. However, how to obtain sweat samples safely and effectively remains a huge challenge, especially in a resting state. In this work, we propose an innovative wearable patch biosensor through a heat-stimulated approach for sweat collection. A silver nanowire-loaded electrothermal film was designed as the heat source to stimulate sweat glands for sweat secretion. Subsequently, the secreted sweat sample was transported and enriched through microfluidic channels, which was continuously and sensitively analyzed by a Prussian blue and glucose oxidase comodified glucose electrochemical biosensor. Under optimal conditions, its sensitivity could achieve 14 μM sweat glucose within 15 min, which was 17 min shorter than that without heating. The specificity, reproducibility, and accuracy were also adequate. To achieve on-body perspiration monitoring of human subjects, the wearable patch biosensor was integrated with a portable electrochemical workstation, a temperature controller, and a power source. The glucose concentration was presented on a smartphone. Results showed that the glucose concentration in sweat detected by the wearable biosensor presented a highly consistent trend with the blood glucose measured by a blood glucose meter throughout the day with normal meals. Compared with other conventional sweat stimulation strategies, the simple device and safe principle made it more suitable for individuals who were sedentary or at rest. This work provides a new approach to realizing wearable patch biosensors for personalized health monitoring.