Microfluidic-Integrated Multimodal Wearable Hybrid Patch for Wireless and Continuous Physiological Monitoring

Recent Advances in Transparent Electrodes and Their Multimodal Sensing Applications

This review examines the recent advancements in transparent electrodes and their crucial role in multimodal sensing technologies. Transparent electrodes, notable for their optical transparency and electrical conductivity, are revolutionizing sensors by enabling the simultaneous detection of diverse physical, chemical, and biological signals. Materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and conductive polymers, which offer a balance between optical transparency, electrical conductivity, and mechanical flexibility, are at the forefront of this development. These electrodes are integral in various applications, from healthcare to solar cell technologies, enhancing sensor performance in complex environments. The paper addresses challenges in applying these electrodes, such as the need for mechanical flexibility, high optoelectronic performance, and biocompatibility. It explores new materials and innovative techniques to overcome these hurdles, aiming to broaden the capabilities of multimodal sensing devices. The review provides a comparative analysis of different transparent electrode materials, discussing their applications and the ongoing development of novel electrode systems for multimodal sensing. This exploration offers insights into future advancements in transparent electrodes, highlighting their transformative potential in bioelectronics and multimodal sensing technologies.

Recent Advances in Polymer Science and Fabrication Processes for Enhanced Microfluidic Applications: An Overview

This review explores significant advancements in polymer science and fabrication processes that have enhanced the performance and broadened the application scope of microfluidic devices. Microfluidics, essential in biotechnology, medicine, and chemical engineering, relies on precise fluid manipulation in micrometer-sized channels. Recent innovations in polymer materials, such as flexible, biocompatible, and structurally robust polymers, have been pivotal in developing advanced microfluidic systems. Techniques like replica molding, microcontact printing, solvent-assisted molding, injection molding, and 3D printing are examined, highlighting their advantages and recent developments. Additionally, the review discusses the diverse applications of polymer-based microfluidic devices in biomedical diagnostics, drug delivery, organ-on-chip models, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes. This paper also addresses future challenges, including enhancing chemical resistance, achieving multifunctionality, ensuring biocompatibility, and scaling up production. By overcoming these challenges, the potential for widespread adoption and impactful use of polymer-based microfluidic technologies can be realized.

All-in-One, Wireless, Multi-Sensor Integrated Athlete Health Monitor for Real-Time Continuous Detection of Dehydration and Physiological Stress

Athletes are at high risk of dehydration, fatigue, and cardiac disorders due to extreme performance in often harsh environments. Despite advancements in sports training protocols, there is an urgent need for a non-invasive system capable of comprehensive health monitoring. Although a few existing wearables measure athlete's performance, they are limited by a single function, rigidity, bulkiness, and required straps and adhesives. Here, an all-in-one, multi-sensor integrated wearable system utilizing a set of nanomembrane soft sensors and electronics, enabling wireless, real-time, continuous monitoring of saliva osmolality, skin temperature, and heart functions is introduced. This system, using a soft patch and a sensor-integrated mouthguard, provides comprehensive monitoring of an athlete's hydration and physiological stress levels. A validation study in detecting real-time physiological levels shows the device's performance in capturing moments (400-500 s) of synchronized acute elevation in dehydration (350%) and physiological strain (175%) during field training sessions. Demonstration with a few human subjects highlights the system's capability to detect early signs of health abnormality, thus improving the healthcare of sports athletes.

Toward the Next Generation Human-Machine Interaction: Headworn Wearable Devices

Wearable devices are lightweight and portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. They are usually connected to the Internet and combined with various software applications to monitor the user's physical conditions. The latest research shows that wearable head devices, particularly those incorporating microfluidic technology, enable the monitoring of bodily fluids and physiological states. Here, we summarize the main forms, functions, and applications of head wearable devices through innovative researches in recent years. The main functions of wearable head devices are sensor monitoring, diagnosis, and even therapeutic interventions. Through this application, real-time monitoring of human physiological conditions and noninvasive treatment can be realized. Furthermore, microfluidics can realize real-time monitoring of body fluids and skin interstitial fluid, which is highly significant in medical diagnosis and has broad medical application prospects. However, despite the progress made, significant challenges persist in the integration of microfluidics into wearable devices at the current technological level. Herein, we focus on summarizing the cutting-edge applications of microfluidic contact lenses and offer insights into the burgeoning intersection between microfluidics and head-worn wearables, providing a glimpse into their future prospects.

Review of biomimetic ordered microstructures in advancing synergistic integration of adhesion and microfluidics

Many ordered arrangements are observable in the natural world, serving not only as pleasing aesthetics but also as functional improvements. These structured arrangements streamline cohesion while also facilitating the spontaneous drainage of liquids in microfluidics, resulting in effective separation and signal enhancement. Nevertheless, there is a substantial challenge when handling microstructured chips with microfluidic detection and adhesion. The arrangement of the adhesive interface's microstructure affects the liquid flow in the microfluidic chip, impacting the detection's sensitivity and accuracy. Additionally, the liquid in the microfluidic chip corrodes the adhesive material and structure, reducing the adhesion strength due to the hydration layer between the material and the contact interface. Therefore, this review explores the application of ordered structures in the integration of adhesion and microfluidics. We discussed the standard preparation method, appropriate materials, and the application of ordered structures in biomimetic adhesion and microfluidics. Furthermore, the paper discusses the major challenges in this field and provides opinions on its future developments.

"NeuroVanguard": a contemporary strategy in neuromonitoring for severe adult brain injury patients

Severe acute brain injuries, stemming from trauma, ischemia or hemorrhage, remain a significant global healthcare concern due to their association with high morbidity and mortality rates. Accurate assessment of secondary brain injuries severity is pivotal for tailor adequate therapies in such patients. Together with neurological examination and brain imaging, monitoring of systemic secondary brain injuries is relatively straightforward and should be implemented in all patients, according to local resources. Cerebral secondary injuries involve factors like brain compliance loss, tissue hypoxia, seizures, metabolic disturbances and neuroinflammation. In this viewpoint, we have considered the combination of specific noninvasive and invasive monitoring tools to better understand the mechanisms behind the occurrence of these events and enhance treatment customization, such as intracranial pressure monitoring, brain oxygenation assessment and metabolic monitoring. These tools enable precise intervention, contributing to improved care quality for severe brain injury patients. The future entails more sophisticated technologies, necessitating knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration and resource allocation, with a focus on patient-centered care and rigorous validation through clinical trials.

Integration of MXene and Microfluidics: A Perspective

The fusion of MXene-based materials with microfluidics not only presents a dynamic and promising avenue for innovation but also opens up new possibilities across various scientific and technological domains. This Perspective delves into the intricate synergy between MXenes and microfluidics, underscoring their collective potential in material science, sensing, energy storage, and biomedical research. This intersection of disciplines anticipates future advancements in MXene synthesis and functionalization as well as progress in advanced sensing technologies, energy storage solutions, environmental applications, and biomedical breakthroughs. Crucially, the manufacturing and commercialization of MXene-based microfluidic devices, coupled with interdisciplinary collaborations, stand as pivotal considerations. Envisioning a future where MXenes and microfluidics collaboratively shape our technological landscape, addressing intricate challenges and propelling innovation forward necessitates a thoughtful approach. This viewpoint provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the field while outlining future prospects for the integration of MXene-based entities and microfluidics.