Chinese Researchers Develop Wristwatch for Real-Time Sweat-Based Health Monitoring
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: In a significant leap for wearable technology, smart devices have evolved to offer advanced features for a comprehensive health and fitness experience. These innovations now include heart rate monitoring, step count tracking, calorie intake calculation, and a new capability to notify users when they need electrolyte drinks during exercise, all with a simple flick of the wrist.
Scientists from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HIPS) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have designed a revolutionary wristwatch capable of measuring essential chemicals in body sweat. Their groundbreaking findings were published in the journal ACS Nano.
Sweat, which contains electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and calcium, plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle function, nerve health, and a regular heartbeat. “The balance of these essential minerals is crucial for supporting muscle function, nerve health, and regular heartbeat,” explained Yang Meng, an associate professor at the institute and one of the study’s authors.
Excessive sweating leads to the loss of both water and electrolytes. Yang elaborated, “Excessive loss of potassium, for instance, can impact heart function and neuromuscular activity. Similarly, the depletion of sodium ions may result in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining balanced electrolyte levels.
The innovative wristwatch designed by Yang’s team collects sweat from the skin and analyzes it in real time using a sensor chip with an ion-sensitive membrane. When sweat enters the device, it interacts with the membrane containing three tubules, each capable of measuring sodium, potassium, and calcium levels.
While not the first to invent sweat sensors, the Chinese researchers highlighted the wristwatch’s solid interface for long-term reliability. “It surpasses the stability of many other sensors by consistently monitoring the three ions in human sweat for over six months,” stated lead researcher Huang Xingjiu of the Institute of Solid State Physics under HIPS.
To validate their device, researchers measured the sweat composition of these chemicals in endurance athletes running long distances on a treadmill. The device achieved an accuracy of approximately 95 percent when compared to standard detection methods. “When there are electrolyte abnormalities, the device will remind users to supplement them promptly,” said co-first author Cai Xin. “The aim of developing this device is to provide warnings for electrolyte loss and reduce exercise-related injury risks.”
For the general public, traditional electrolyte testing requires body fluid samples taken in hospitals. This new wristwatch offers a non-invasive alternative, allowing for real-time monitoring of electrolytes. “This is undoubtedly a significant advancement in human health monitoring,” commented Xu Han, a physician at the Central Hospital of Bengbu, who was not involved in the study.
Looking ahead, the research team aims to design various sensitive membrane materials for monitoring additional physiological information, such as glucose and chloride ions. Despite the current device’s larger and heavier design compared to popular fitness watches on the market, the researchers anticipate developing wearable sweat sensors suitable for market applications within the next five years. Yang also revealed that the team plans to adapt the device for environmental monitoring to measure heavy metals in the future.
This advancement marks a promising step forward in wearable technology, offering users a more comprehensive and proactive approach to health and fitness.