Inflammation Detector: Wearable Sweat Sensor Can Detect Inflammation Non-invasively

(Image credit- Canadian Manufacturing) Researchers at Caltech have created a new wearable sensor that can identify C-reactive protein (CRP) in human sweat. By replacing more intrusive blood tests with this new technology, inflammation in the body may be monitored conveniently and non-invasively.

Sensor CRP

The laser-engraved graphene used in the CRP sensor, created by Wei Gao and his team at Caltech, has a huge surface area because of the carbon-based material's countless small pores. Antibodies that attach to CRP molecules and specific molecules that produce a little electric current when certain conditions are fulfilled are inserted in these pores. The sensor also contains gold nanoparticles that are carrying detection antibodies. CRP molecules bind to the detection antibodies on the gold nanoparticles and the antibodies on the graphene when they enter the sensor through sweat. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image credit- New Atlas[/caption] Electronic components connected to the sensor can measure the electrical current produced by the redox molecule as a result of this transient bonding. A single CRP molecule generates a signal that is amplified by the presence of several detection antibodies on each gold nanoparticle. The low concentration of CRP in sweat when compared to other biomarkers was one of the main difficulties in designing this sensor. In order to assure precise sensing, the detection of CRP frequently necessitates complicated laboratory methods. Gao and his team were able to get around these problems by creating a very sensitive sensor that can automatically keep track of low levels of CRP on the skin. In order to account for differences in sweat components and guarantee precise measurements, the sensor additionally measures the pH, ion concentration, and skin temperature of the subject. Gao underlined that this discovery indicates a promising association with blood-based CRP and reveals the first accurate detection of CRP in sweat. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image credit- Medgadget[/caption]

Significance of the Sensor

Laboratory research and real-world medicinal applications are included in the implications of this study. The wearable sensor technology creates opportunities for the future monitoring of additional protein and hormone molecules with therapeutic relevance. Additionally, it has the potential to treat chronic illnesses because inflammation puts many people at risk. Individuals at risk can be early recognized and treated in a timely manner by permitting at-home surveillance. Gao sees a day in which wearable sensor technology will be fundamental to healthcare, enabling people to easily monitor their health and giving medical experts useful information. This novel sensor has the potential to transform the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders linked to inflammation by noninvasively detecting inflammation through sweat analysis. "With the help of this broad platform, we can keep track of incredibly low-level compounds in bodily fluids. We intend to broaden this technology to track more therapeutically significant protein and hormone molecules, according to Gao. The study's findings were disseminated in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. Also read: Gender Bias in Vehicle Safety: The Need for Better Crash Test Dummies