Lab on skin: real-time metabolite monitoring with polyphenol film based subdermal wearable patches

The advent of digital technologies has spurred the development of wearable sensing devices marking a significant shift in obtaining real-time physiological information. The principal objective is to transition from blood-centric monitoring to minimally invasive modalities, which will enable movement from specialised settings to more accessible environments such as the practices of general practitioners or even home settings. While subcutaneously implanted continuous monitoring devices have demonstrated this transition, detection of analytes from sample matrices like skin interstitial fluid (ISF), is a frontier that offers attractive minimally invasive routes for detection of biomarkers. This manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of our work in subdermal wearable biosensing patches for the simultaneous monitoring of glucose and lactate from ISF in ambulatory conditions. The performance of the subdermal wearable glucose monitoring patch was evaluated over a duration of three days, which is the longest reported duration reported till date. The subdermal wearable lactate sensing patch was worn for the duration of the exercise. Our findings highlight a critical observation that biofouling effects become apparent after a 24-h period. The data presented in this manuscript extends on the knowledge in the areas of continuous metabolite monitoring by introducing multifunctional polyphenol polymer films that can be used for both glucose and lactate monitoring with appropriate modifications. This study underscores the potential of subdermal wearable patches as versatile tools for real-time metabolite monitoring, positioning them as valuable assets in the evolution of personalised healthcare in diverse settings

Lab on skin: real-time metabolite monitoring with polyphenol film based subdermal wearable patches.

The advent of digital technologies has spurred the development of wearable sensing devices marking a significant shift in obtaining real-time physiological information. The principal objective is to transition from blood-centric monitoring to minimally invasive modalities, which will enable movement from specialised settings to more accessible environments such as the practices of general practitioners or even home settings. While subcutaneously implanted continuous monitoring devices have demonstrated this transition, detection of analytes from sample matrices like skin interstitial fluid (ISF), is a frontier that offers attractive minimally invasive routes for detection of biomarkers. This manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of our work in subdermal wearable biosensing patches for the simultaneous monitoring of glucose and lactate from ISF in ambulatory conditions. The performance of the subdermal wearable glucose monitoring patch was evaluated over a duration of three days, which is the longest reported duration reported till date. The subdermal wearable lactate sensing patch was worn for the duration of the exercise. Our findings highlight a critical observation that biofouling effects become apparent after a 24 h period. The data presented in this manuscript extends on the knowledge in the areas of continuous metabolite monitoring by introducing multifunctional polyphenol polymer films that can be used for both glucose and lactate monitoring with appropriate modifications. This study underscores the potential of subdermal wearable patches as versatile tools for real-time metabolite monitoring, positioning them as valuable assets in the evolution of personalised healthcare in diverse settings

Alzheimer's diagnosis beyond cerebrospinal fluid: Probe-Free Detection of Tau Proteins using MXene based redox systems and molecularly imprinted polymers

Phosphorylated Tau proteins are promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer's disease. This study presents a novel voltametric sensor using a vanadium MXene polydopamine (VxPDA) redox active composite and a Tau-441-specific polyaniline molecularly imprinted polymer (PANI MIP) for the sensitive detection of Tau-441 in interstitial fluid (ISF) and plasma. The VxPDA/PANI MIP sensor demonstrates a broad detection range of 5 fg/mL to 5 ng/mL (122 aM/L to 122 pM/L) in ISF without the use of redox mediators, with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 2.3 fg/mL (60 aM/L). Furthermore, a handheld device utilizing this technology successfully detects Tau-441 in artificial serum with high sensitivity (5 fg/mL to 150 fg/mL (122 aM/L to 366 aM/L)) and specificity within a clinically relevant range. The rapid detection time (∼32 min) and low cost (∼£20/device) of this sensor highlight its potential for minimally invasive, early AD diagnosis in clinical settings. This advancement aims to facilitate a transition away from invasive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-based diagnostic techniques for AD

Wearable technology for one health: Charting the course of dermal biosensing

Over the last decade, a significant paradigm shift has been observed towards leveraging less invasive biological fluids—such as skin interstitial fluid (ISF), sweat, tears, and saliva—for health monitoring. This evolution seeks to transcend traditional, invasive blood-based methods, offering a more accessible approach to health monitoring for non-specialized personnel. Skin ISF, with its profound resemblance to blood, emerges as a pivotal medium for the real-time, minimally invasive tracking of a broad spectrum of biomarkers, thus becoming an invaluable asset for correlating with blood-based data. Our exploration delves deeply into the development of wearable molecular biosensors, spotlighting dermal sensors for their pivotal roles across both clinical and everyday health monitoring scenarios and underscoring their contributions to the holistic One Health initiative. In bringing forward the myriad challenges that permeate this field, we also project future directions, notably the potential of skin ISF as a promising candidate for continuous health tracking. Moreover, this paper aims to catalyse further exploration and innovation by presenting a curated selection of seminal technological advancements. Amidst the saturated landscape of analytical literature on translational challenges, our approach distinctly seeks to highlight recent developments. In attracting a wider spectrum of research groups to this versatile domain, we endeavour to broaden the collective understanding of its trajectory and potential, mapping the evolution of wearable biosensor technology. This strategy not only illuminates the transformative impact of wearable biosensors in reshaping health diagnostics and personalized medicine but also fosters increased participation and progress within the field. Distinct from recent manuscripts in this domain, our review serves as a distillation of key concepts, elucidating pivotal papers that mark the latest advancements in wearable sensors. Through presenting a curated collection of landmark studies and offering our perspectives on the challenges and forward paths, this paper seeks to guide new entrants in the area. We delineate a division between wearable epidermal and subdermal sensors—focusing on the latter as the future frontier—thereby establishing a unique discourse within the ongoing narrative on wearable sensing technologies

Cork based substrate coupled with artificial antibodies for point-of-care detection of pro-inflammatory cytokine biomarker

Whilst the single use point of care testing (PoCT) devices has transformed healthcare globally, there are major concerns over their environmental consequences. These concerns could be addressed employing devices made of environmentally friendly material. Herein, we report on the use of cork based PoCT device. Cork is known to be fully biodegradable and easily recycled without producing toxic residues. We report on how cork-based substrate coupled with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) that serves as an "artificial antibody" can be used for point-of-care testing of the pro-inflammatory biomarker interleukin 6 (IL-6). The featured PoCT device has an electrochemical transducer that provides the desired clinical dynamic range for blood and can measure concentrations as low as 1 pg/mL, indicating its usefulness in point of care measurements for monitoring pathological disorders, worldwide. In addition, it has a huge environmental impact as it can reduce the waste generated by other polymeric/ceramic carriers used for the same purpose

Alzheimer's diagnosis beyond cerebrospinal fluid: Probe-Free Detection of Tau Proteins using MXene based redox systems and molecularly imprinted polymers

Phosphorylated Tau proteins are promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer's disease. This study presents a novel voltametric sensor using a vanadium MXene polydopamine (VxPDA) redox active composite and a Tau-441-specific polyaniline molecularly imprinted polymer (PANI MIP) for the sensitive detection of Tau-441 in interstitial fluid (ISF) and plasma. The VxPDA/PANI MIP sensor demonstrates a broad detection range of 5 fg/mL to 5 ng/mL (122 aM/L to 122 pM/L) in ISF without the use of redox mediators, with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 2.3 fg/mL (60 aM/L). Furthermore, a handheld device utilizing this technology successfully detects Tau-441 in artificial serum with high sensitivity (5 fg/mL to 150 fg/mL (122 aM/L to 366 aM/L)) and specificity within a clinically relevant range. The rapid detection time (~32 minutes) and low cost (~£20/device) of this sensor highlight its potential for minimally invasive, early AD diagnosis in clinical settings. This advancement aims to facilitate a transition away from invasive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-based diagnostic techniques for AD

A cork based substrate coupled with artificial antibodies for point-of-care detection of pro-inflammatory cytokine biomarkers

A cork based point of care diagnostic device for monitoring cytokine biomarkers in biofluids.</jats:p

Wearable Technology for One Health: Charting the course of Dermal Biosensing

Over the last decade, a significant paradigm shift has been observed towards leveraging less invasive biological fluids— such as skin interstitial fluid (ISF), sweat, tears, and saliva—for health monitoring. This evolution seeks to transcend traditional, invasive blood-based methods, offering a more accessible approach to health monitoring for non-specialized personnel. Skin ISF, with its profound resemblance to blood, emerges as a pivotal medium for the real-time, minimally invasive tracking of a broad spectrum of biomarkers, thus becoming an invaluable asset for correlating with blood-based data. Our exploration delves deeply into the development of wearable molecular biosensors, spotlighting dermal sensors for their pivotal roles across both clinical and everyday health monitoring scenarios and underscoring their contributions to the holistic One Health initiative. In bringing forward the myriad challenges that permeate this field, we also project future directions, notably the potential of skin ISF as a promising candidate for continuous health tracking. Moreover, this paper aims to catalyse further exploration and innovation by presenting a curated selection of seminal technological advancements. Amidst the saturated landscape of analytical literature on translational challenges, our approach distinctly seeks to highlight recent developments. In attracting a wider spectrum of research groups to this versatile domain, we endeavour to broaden the collective understanding of its trajectory and potential, mapping the evolution of wearable biosensor technology. This strategy not only illuminates the transformative impact of wearable biosensors in reshaping health diagnostics and personalized medicine but also fosters increased participation and progress within the field. Distinct from recent manuscripts in this domain, our review serves as a distillation of key concepts, elucidating pivotal papers that mark the latest advancements in wearable sensors. Through presenting a curated collection of landmark studies and offering our perspectives on the challenges and forward paths, this paper seeks to guide new entrants in the area. We delineate a division between wearable epidermal and subdermal sensors—focusing on the latter as the future frontier—thereby establishing a unique discourse within the ongoing narrative on wearable sensing technologies