Real-time Analysis of Electrolytes in Sweat Through a Wearable Sensing Platform

Abstract

The field of biochemical sensing is evolving from the use of bulky apparatuses to the development of miniaturized systems allowing personal sensing and point of care analysis. We report a wearable platform capable of measuring the concentration of multiple electrolytes in sweat (Na+, K+, Cl−). The platform accesses sweat emerging through the skin, drawing it across solid-state ion-selective electrodes by capillary action. The electrolyte composition is monitored in real time by potentiometry. The sensor data is digitised and transmitted via Bluetooth to a mobile phone or laptop. The platform has been employed in on-body trials during controlled exercise.

Keywords

• wearable sensors
• ion-sensitive electrodes
• sweat electrolytes
• personal sensing
• solid-state electrodes
• fluidics