Northwestern University researchers have made a groundbreaking advancement in wearable technology by developing the first device capable of measuring gases emitted from and absorbed by the skin. This innovative device offers a unique way to assess skin health, enabling monitoring of wounds, detection of skin infections, tracking hydration levels, quantifying exposure to harmful environmental chemicals, and more.
The device consists of sensors that accurately measure changes in temperature, water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These measurements provide valuable insights into various skin conditions and overall health. The gases flow into a small chamber within the device, which hovers above the skin without direct contact. This non-contact design is particularly beneficial for gathering information about fragile skin without disrupting delicate tissues.
Published in the journal Nature, the study titled “A Non-contact Wearable Device for Monitoring Epidermal Molecular Flux” demonstrates the device’s effectiveness in both small animals and humans. Co-led by Northwestern’s John A. Rogers and Guillermo A. Ameer, the study showcases the potential of this technology to transform clinical care, especially for vulnerable populations such as newborn babies, the elderly, and patients with diabetes.
The device’s compact design, measuring just two centimeters long and one-and-a-half centimeters wide, includes a chamber, sensors, a programmable valve, an electronic circuit, and a rechargeable battery. The chamber hovers above the skin’s surface, and an automatic valve controls the flow of gases in and out of the chamber. This dynamic measurement approach allows for real-time monitoring of changes in gas concentrations over time.
By utilizing Bluetooth technology, the device can send data directly to a smartphone or tablet for continuous monitoring. This feature is particularly useful for healthcare professionals in wound management, as it enables them to make informed decisions promptly. Monitoring changes in water vapor, CO2, and VOCs can help detect infections early and improve wound healing outcomes.
In addition to wound care, the device has the potential to revolutionize the assessment of bug repellents, skin creams, and systemic medications designed to enhance skin health. By measuring emissions of CO2 and VOCs, researchers can gain insights into mosquito attraction and assess the penetration of lotions and creams into the skin. This data can inform the development of more effective transdermal drug delivery systems and enhance the safety of cosmetics and personal care products.
Moving forward, the Northwestern team plans to enhance the device’s capabilities by adding a sensor to track changes in pH levels and developing gas sensors with increased chemical selectivity. These advancements aim to enable early detection of organ dysfunction and other diseases, paving the way for personalized healthcare driven by real-time, non-invasive monitoring of skin health parameters.
In conclusion, this innovative wearable device represents a significant step forward in healthcare technology, offering a new way to monitor skin health and predict overall well-being. By leveraging the device’s capabilities, healthcare professionals can provide more effective care to patients and empower individuals to take control of their skin health at home.
