The multitasking device is only the size of a stack of quarters. It is applied to the skin through a Velcro like patch of microneedles (or microneedles), each about one-fifth the width of human hair. Wearing the device is not painful. The microneedles penetrate the skin surface to sense the biomolecules in the interstitial fluid, which is the fluid surrounding the cells under the skin. The device can be worn on the upper arm and send data wirelessly to a customized Smartphone Application.
Researchers at the wearable sensor center at the University of California, San Diego, described their device in a paper published today (May 9, 2022) in the journal Nature biomedical engineering. This is like a complete laboratory on the skin. It can continuously measure a variety of biomarkers at the same time, so that users can monitor their health and health care during daily activities.
Most commercial health monitors, such as continuous glucose monitors for patients with diabetes, measure only one signal. The problem with this, the researchers say, is that it misses information that can help diabetes patients, for example, manage their disease more effectively. Monitoring alcohol levels is useful because alcohol consumption can reduce glucose levels. Understanding these two levels can help diabetes patients prevent their blood sugar from falling too low after drinking. Combined with lactic acid information, it can be used as a biomarker of muscle fatigue during exercise, which is also useful because physical activity affects the body's ability to regulate glucose.
Through this wearable device, people can see the interaction between the peak or decline of glucose and their diet, exercise and drinking alcoholic beverages. This can also improve their quality of life. The microneedle patch is disposable and can be removed from the electronic box for easy replacement. The electronic box is reusable and contains batteries, electronic sensors, wireless transmitters and other electronic components. The device can be charged on any wireless charging board used for mobile phones and smart watches.