Scientists at Caltech have developed a technique for mass producing long-lasting wearable sweat sensors using special nanoparticles. These sensors can monitor various biomarkers, such as vitamins, hormones, metabolites, and medications, in real-time, allowing patients and doctors to track changes in their levels noninvasively.
The new nanoparticles, called core-shell cubic nanoparticles, are formed by trapping a target molecule, like vitamin C, inside a cubic structure. The molecules are then selectively recognized by the nanoparticles’ molecularly imprinted polymer shell, which matches the shape of the target molecule. When the target molecule is present, it prevents sweat from coming into contact with the nanoparticle core, generating an electrical signal that reveals its presence.
The nickel hexacyanoferrate core in these nanoparticles is highly stable even in biological fluids, making them ideal for long-term measurement. The new sensors can be used to monitor multiple biomarkers by combining different “inks” in a single array.
Researchers have successfully tested the wearable biosensors on patients with long COVID and cancer patients at City of Hope, demonstrating their potential for continuous monitoring and noninvasive tracking of biomarker levels. This technology may lead to personalized healthcare by enabling real-time measurement of medication levels and other biomarkers, paving the way for dose personalization in various conditions.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-02-printable-molecule-nanoparticles-enable-mass.html