This Wearable, Non-invasive Sweat Sensor Detects Inflammation

A new wearable sensor developed by researchers at Caltech can detect the presence of C-reactive protein (CRP) in human sweat.

This new technology offers a non-invasive and convenient method for monitoring inflammation in the body, eliminating the need for more invasive blood tests.

CRP Sensor

The CRP sensor, developed by Wei Gao and his team at Caltech, utilizes laser-engraved graphene, a carbon-based material with a large surface area due to its numerous tiny pores.

These pores are embedded with antibodies that bind to CRP molecules and special molecules that generate a small electric current when specific conditions are met.

Gold nanoparticles carrying detector antibodies are also incorporated into the sensor. When CRP molecules enter the sensor through sweat, they attach to the detector antibodies on the gold nanoparticles and the antibodies on the graphene.

This temporary bonding triggers the redox molecule to generate an electrical current, which can be measured by electronic components connected to the sensor. The presence of multiple detector antibodies on each gold nanoparticle amplifies the signal produced by a single CRP molecule.

One of the key challenges in developing this sensor was the low concentration of CRP in sweat compared to other biomarkers. Additionally, the detection of CRP usually requires complex laboratory procedures to ensure accurate sensing.

However, Gao and his team overcame these obstacles by designing a highly sensitive sensor capable of automatically monitoring low levels of CRP on the skin.

The sensor also measures the concentration of ions in sweat, the sweat's pH, and the skin temperature to account for variations in sweat compositions and ensure accurate measurements.

Gao emphasized that this breakthrough demonstrates the accurate detection of CRP in sweat for the first time and shows a promising correlation with blood-based CRP.

Implications of the Sensor

This research's implications extend to laboratory studies and practical medical applications. The wearable sensor platform opens up possibilities for future monitoring of other clinically relevant protein and hormone molecules.

Furthermore, it holds the potential for managing chronic diseases, as inflammation poses risks to many patients. By enabling at-home monitoring, individuals at risk can be identified early, leading to timely interventions and treatment.

Gao envisions a future where this wearable sensor technology plays a vital role in healthcare, allowing individuals to easily track their health and providing healthcare professionals with valuable data.

By detecting inflammation noninvasively through sweat analysis, this innovative sensor has the potential to revolutionize the way diseases and disorders associated with inflammation are diagnosed and managed.

"This is a general platform that lets us monitor extremely low-level molecules in our body fluids. We hope to expand this platform to monitor other clinically relevant protein and hormone molecules," Gao said in a statement.

The findings of the study were published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.