Wearable Microsensor Array for Multiplexed Heavy Metal Monitoring of Body Fluids

• Published in: ACS sensors Vol. 1; no. 7; pp. 866 - 874
• Main Authors: Gao, Wei, Nyein, Hnin Y. Y, Shahpar, Ziba, Fahad, Hossain M, Chen, Kevin, Emaminejad, Sam, Gao, Yuji, Tai, Li-Chia, Ota, Hiroki, Wu, Eric, Bullock, James, Zeng, Yuping, Lien, Der-Hsien, Javey, Ali
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 22.07.2016; American Chemical Society (ACS)
• Subjects: flexible electronics; heavy metals monitoring; multiplexed sensing; OTHER INSTRUMENTATION; sweat; temperature compensation; wearable biosensors; flexible electronics; sweat; temperature compensation; wearable biosensors; multiplexed sensing; heavy metals monitoring
• ISSN: 2379-3694; 2379-3694
• DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.6b00287

A flexible and wearable microsensor array is described for simultaneous multiplexed monitoring of heavy metals in human body fluids. Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Hg ions are chosen as target analytes for detection via electrochemical square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) on Au and Bi microelectrodes. The oxidation peaks of these metals are calibrated and compensated by incorporating a skin temperature sensor. High selectivity, repeatability, and flexibility of the sensor arrays are presented. Human sweat and urine samples are collected for heavy metal analysis, and measured results from the microsensors are validated through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Real-time on-body evaluation of heavy metal (e.g., zinc and copper) levels in sweat of human subjects by cycling is performed to examine the change in concentrations with time. This platform is anticipated to provide insightful information about an individual’s health state such as heavy metal exposure and aid the related clinical investigations.