Epidermal Microfluidics (‘Epifluidics’)
A drop of sweat can provide substantial insight into the overall well-being of an individual. Our lab is developing soft, thin, flexible devices that imperceptibly attach to the skin to collect and analyze sweat. We can use this technology to track a person’s hydration state while working out or for diagnosing clinical diseases. By using a network of embedded microfluidic channels, we can capture and route sweat to different sensing regions of the device.
Image of the ‘sweat sticker’ for the collection of sweat for use in diagnosing cystic fibrosis.
About the technology
Conformal
These devices form intimate connections to the epidermis via soft, flexible materials and skin-safe adhesives.
Passive
Using the sweat glands as natural pressure pumps, we can route sweat throughout the device.
Sweat fills the epifluidic device based upon the natural pressure generated by the sweat glands.
Quantitative
By integrating colorimetric assays (colored pads in center of the image) that change colors in response to particular biochemical target of interest (such as chloride), we can quantitatively determine the various concentrations present in sweat via a smartphone camera.
Extensible
This form factor enables direct integration not only with the body, but also with other types of epidermal devices including various types of epidermal / flexible electronics.
The first epifluidic device with integrated colorimetric assays (center dots), near field communications (coil), and networks of microfluidic channels.