Wearable Sweat-powered Sensor for Sweaty Socks: Real-time Monitoring Glucose and Lactate in Sweat
Thomas A. Edison (1847–1931), an excellent inventor who invented many things including the first light bulb, said: “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
Did he use perspiration to light up his light bulb?
It might be just a metaphor for Edison.
Imagine the real scenario to harvest energy from your perspiration. Believe it or not, right now perspiration can do real tasks! Not only being a metaphor!
The newly developed smart socks can utilize your sweat to light up some light emitting diodes (LEDs). Moreover, these socks can help to monitor significant metabolite levels in sweat.
Perspiration-powered sensors can now be really worn on your feet!!!
Researchers have developed a new type of smart textiles that can convert chemical energy (available in your sweat) into electricity. These energy-conversion devices are called “biofuel cells”. The first example of highly stretchable textile-based biofuel cells, acting as effective self-powered glucose or lactate sensors, have been demonstrated.
Glucose is a well-known biomarker for diabetes; sweat glucose is metabolically related to blood glucose. Moreover, lactate is also an important potential indicator for pressure ischemia and body fitness. A lactate buildup around muscles can cause cramps during intensive anaerobic respiration.
Successful applicability to sock-based BFCs and self-powered lactate biosensors coupled with wireless communication and mechanically compliant operations was demonstrated on human subjects. These sweat-powered sock-based devices can be connected to a wireless device, enabling the wearer to monitor their glucose or lactate levels with a smartphone
These self-powered sensors open new opportunities to monitor levels of glucose or lactate in sweat, providing support for diabetes patients, or helping wearers to monitor their stamina and fitness.
See More:
https://youtu.be/7VFR6D0x9Oo
https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/smart-sensors-for-sweaty-socks/1017693.article