The press office of Tomsk Polytechnic University reported that scientists have created a device to measure glucose levels from sweat that is unaffected by other substances, has its own power source, and remains effective even after 15,000 charging cycles.
Researchers explained that wearable medical sensors are becoming increasingly common because they allow for real-time health monitoring without the need for blood samples or complex tests. Sweat analysis is one of the most promising methods, as it contains biomarkers that can be used to assess the body's condition, most notably glucose levels. However, most of these devices consist of two separate parts—the sensor and the power source—making them bulky and less practical to use.
According to a statement from the university's press office, scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University, in collaboration with researchers from Taopao University of Technology in China, have developed a new material for wearable medical sensors, along with a device based on it for measuring glucose levels in sweat. The device is characterized by its speed and accuracy, as well as its ability to generate its own power. Tests have shown that it maintained its efficiency even after 15,000 charge and discharge cycles, and even after repeated bending.
The sensor material, composed of carbon nanotubes and a nickel-based, two-dimensional metal-organic framework (MOF), can detect glucose in sweat in just five seconds, unaffected by other compounds present in the sweat. Researchers used this material to develop a flexible energy storage device with an energy capacity of 61.1 W/kg and an energy density of 746.7 W/kg, surpassing similar devices. The team integrated all these components into a single smart patch system that includes a sensor, an integrated energy storage device, a power management unit, and a wireless data transmission system.
A university source added that the device underwent a practical test on a volunteer who exercised for 40 minutes. The system recorded the glucose level in the volunteer's sweat in real time and transmitted the data to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The results were then compared to measurements from a similar commercial device and showed a high degree of agreement, confirming the system's reliability.
Experts pointed out that this technology may find wide applications in the future in personalized medicine, health monitoring, and sports diagnostics.
The results were published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.
