Our skin excretes a wide array of important biomarkers that may help to track physical exertion, diagnose disease, and track progression of a condition. Exercise, in particular, leads to a significant change in the composition of our sweat, signaling dehydration, lack of electrolytes, or other problems. Scientists at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden have developed skin multi-purpose skin sensor capable of measuring a number of important biochemical compounds. The technology will hopefully be used by athletes to warn them to rehydrate when necessary, as well as people with renal diseases and diabetes.
The sensors can be built into an armband, integrated into articles of clothing, or even be made into microneedles that sample directly from just beneath the surface of the skin. When they touch the skin, they’re able to measure sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, glucose, uric acid, as well as amino acids such as glycine.
Additionally, the technology can certainly be integrated with a host of other sensors, including ECG and accelerometers, to provide a live overview of a number of important health parameters.