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A Wearable Electrochemical Biosensor for the Monitoring of Metabolites and Nutrients

The article titled “ A Wearable Electrochemical Biosensor for the Monitoring of Metabolites and Nutrients” published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, presents the development and evaluation of a novel wearable electrochemical biosensor called “NutriTrek,” designed for the continuous monitoring of metabolites and nutrients in human sweat. The research team, primarily from the California Institute of Technology and other renowned institutions, has created a device that overcomes the limitations of existing wearable sensors by enabling the detection of a broader range of analytes, including essential amino acids (AAs), vitamins, and other metabolites at trace levels.

Metabolites monitoring

Circulating nutrients, such as amino acids and vitamins, are vital indicators of overall health and are associated with various conditions, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even the severity of COVID-19. Traditional methods of metabolic profiling rely heavily on invasive blood tests, which are episodic, require clinical visits, and are not suitable for continuous monitoring. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for non-invasive, continuous monitoring technologies that can be used in home settings, leading to the development of wearable biosensors.

Wearable Biosensors

Current wearable biosensors are limited to detecting a few analytes, such as glucose or electrolytes, and typically require vigorous physical activity to generate sufficient sweat for analysis. Moreover, these sensors often lack the sensitivity and selectivity needed to detect trace-level nutrients and metabolites. They are also generally unsuitable for sedentary individuals and may provide inaccurate results due to sweat contamination and limited monitoring capabilities.

Nutritrek

Schematics and images of the wearable biosensor ‘NutriTrek’. a. Circulating nutrients such as AAs are associated with various physiological and metabolic conditions. b. Schematic of the wearable ‘NutriTrek’ that enables metabolic monitoring through a synergistic fusion of LEG, RARs and artificial antibodies. Schematic (c) and layer assembly (d) of the microfluidic ‘NutriTrek’ patch for sweat induction, sampling and biosensing. T, temperature. Images of a flexible sensor patch (e) and a skin-interfaced wearable system (f). Scale bars, 5 mm (e) and 2 cm (f).

Non intrusive metabolite monitoring with Nutritrek 

The NutriTrek biosensor addresses these challenges through several innovative features:

Laser-Engraved Graphene (LEG) Electrodes

The sensor employs LEG electrodes, known for their large surface area and excellent electrochemical properties, which can be mass-produced on flexible substrates like polyimide (PI) film. These electrodes are functionalized with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) that mimic antibodies, enabling specific binding and detection of target molecules.

Redox-Active Nanoreporters (RARs)

These are integrated into the sensor to enhance the detection of non-electroactive molecules. The RARs, such as Prussian Blue nanoparticles, facilitate indirect detection by generating measurable electrochemical signals when target molecules are present.

Iontophoresis-Based Sweat Induction

The device incorporates iontophoresis technology, using carbachol gel to stimulate sweat production even at rest. This feature is critical for continuous monitoring, as it allows sweat sampling without the need for physical exercise.

Microfluidic Sweat Sampling

A sophisticated microfluidic module ensures efficient sweat collection and transport to the sensor array, enabling accurate and continuous analysis. The design minimizes sweat contamination and allows for real-time calibration of sensor readings.

In Situ Regeneration and Calibration

Unlike traditional bio-affinity sensors that require washing steps, the NutriTrek sensor can regenerate in situ, ensuring prolonged use and consistent accuracy. The device also features built-in temperature and electrolyte sensors to calibrate readings in real time.

Biosensor testing

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Key Results and Findings 

The NutriTrek biosensor was tested on human subjects, demonstrating its ability to monitor various essential amino acids (like tryptophan and branched-chain amino acids), vitamins, and other metabolites continuously. The data showed strong correlations between sweat and serum levels of these nutrients, highlighting the sensor’s potential for non-invasive health monitoring. The device successfully tracked changes in amino acid levels during exercise and after dietary intake, offering insights into central fatigue and personalized nutrition.

The sensor’s ability to monitor metabolic biomarkers can be particularly valuable for assessing risks related to metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The research also indicates the potential of NutriTrek for COVID-19 management, as elevated levels of certain amino acids in blood are associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Impact and Future Directions

The development of the NutriTrek biosensor marks a significant advancement in wearable health technology. It paves the way for personalized nutrition and precision medicine by providing a practical, non-invasive method for continuous monitoring of metabolic health. The versatility of the sensor allows it to be reconfigured for detecting a wide range of biomarkers, potentially expanding its applications to various fields of healthcare.

Reference

The research was conducted  by a research team, primarily from the California Institute of Technology and other renowned institutions. The full study is available in Nature Biomedical Engineering (2022), DOI : 10.1038/s41551-022-00916-z. 

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