Invention:
This technology is a 3D printed device that can be mounted on the skin and collects small amounts of sweat to measure its contents. The 3D printing technology enables the device to be custom manufactured to conform to an individual’s body and to be mounted without applying adhesives to the skin.
Background:
Epifluidics is a rapidly evolving area of microfluidics, where devices are applied to the surface of the skin, typically to collect tiny amounts of sweat for analysis. The sweat can then be analyzed within the device to look for particular markers. Research suggests this type of technology can be used to non-invasively detect many health-related metrics, including hydration levels, blood sugar levels, and blood alcohol levels.
As an emerging area of innovation, there are few commercial applications of epifludics available. Furthermore, current technologies are generally limited in that they can be bulky and rigid, and they require the use of adhesive to keep them attached to the body. As a result, current epifluidic technologies are generally not conducive to long-term use.
This technology solves these limitations by leveraging 3D printing to create a soft, flexible device custom-manufactured to conform to an individual’s body, which in turn eliminates the need for adhesives to keep it in place and enables it to be worn comfortably for longer periods of time.
Applications:
- Fitness monitoring / athletic training
- Chronic health condition monitoring
- Skin health analysis
Advantages:
- Ideal for extended use
- Does not require use of adhesive
- Individually customizable to conform to the body
- Made of flexible material; stretchable
