Soft, environmentally degradable microfluidic devices for measurement of sweat rate and total sweat loss and for colorimetric analysis of sweat biomarkers

Liu, S.*; Yang, D. S.*; Wang, S.*; Luan, H.*; Sekine, Yurina; Model, J. B.*; Aranyosi, A. J.*; Ghaffari, R.*; Rogers, J. A.*

EcoMat (Internet), 5(1), p.e12270_1 - e12270_18, 2023/01

https://doi.org/10.1002/eom2.12270

Advanced capabilities in noninvasive, in situ monitoring of sweat serve as the basis for obtaining real-time insights into human physiological state, health, and performance. Although recently reported microfluidic systems support powerful functions, most are designed as single-use disposables. Here, we introduce materials and molding techniques that bypass these concerns through biodegradable microfluidic systems with a full range of features. The key components fully degrade through the enzymatic action of microorganisms in natural soil environments. Detailed characterization of the device reveal a set of essential performance parameters that are comparable to, or even better than, those of non-degradable counterparts. Human subject studies illustrate the ability of these devices to acquire accurate measurements of sweat loss, sweat rate, pH, and chloride concentration.