Biosensors are a powerful and emerging technology capable of measuring the presence and concentration of molecules inside the human body. These devices are based on the premise that the physiology of diseased tissue is substantially different from that of healthy tissue and can be used to diagnose and track diseases and health.

The Need

Biosensors detect biomolecules such as glucose, insulin, proteins, antibodies, and harmful chemicals for diagnostic purposes and for delivering therapies to targeted tissues/cells. Also, these sensors can provide continuous data on the levels of a target analyte, thereby offering trends in concentrations over time without the need for intervention from the patient or clinician. Although there have been advances in biosensors, their widespread use has been limited due to size, lack of accuracy, and the need for bulky batteries. Thus, there is an unmet need to develop new biosensors that are highly accurate with minimal footprints such that they do not interfere with everyday life.

The Technology

This technology describes the development of biosensors that can measure various molecules through sweat for disease identification, health monitoring, and fitness. The sensors measure fluids by determining the potential difference between a working electrode and a reference electrode. Thus far, the inventors have created laboratory-grade prototypes tested in laboratory experiments and shown the capacity to detect potassium, calcium, sodium, and hydrogen concentrations.

Commercial Applications

This invention can monitor various body chemicals via sweat for health tracking and disease diagnosis.

Benefits/Advantages

Compared to existing sensors requiring invasive finger sticks or other fluid acquisition methods, this technology can measure analytes within the sweat. It can be integrated within wearable devices to rapidly and accurately measure various biomolecules.