Northwestern University

University of Illinois

Johnathan T Reeder

John A Rogers

Jungil Choi

Sungbong Kim

Tyler R Ray

Amay J Bandodkar

Yurina Sekine

Yi Zhang

Hexia Guo

Diana Ostojich

Philipp Gutruf

Kun Hyuck Lee

Aurelie Hourlier-Fargette

Milan Raj

Provided herein are epidermal microfluidic systems and methods that allow for the collection of biofluids in a wet or aquatic environment, for example, from the surface of the skin. The described systems allow for the efficient collection of biofluids, without loss of the biofluid to the surrounding environment or introduction of extraneous liquids from the environment. The described microfluidic systems are versatile and can provide information regarding a number of biofluid properties both electronically and colorimetrically/visually.

Epidermal microfluidic sensor for sweat collection and analysis from aquatic athletes

A microfluidic system includes a flexible substrate having a skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface; a microfluidic network at least partially embedded in or supported by the flexible substrate; a sensor fluidically connected to the microfluidic network, wherein the microfluidic network is configured to transport a biofluid from a skin surface to the sensor; and a capping layer, having a capping layer skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface, wherein the back-facing surface of the capping layer is attached to the skin-facing surface of the substrate. The flexible substrate is at least partially formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a polymer configured to provide a high barrier to vapor or liquid water transmission.

Microfluidic systems for epidermal sampling and sensing

The invention provides a versatile sensing platform for sensing and analysis of biofluids, particularly well-suited for sensing and analysis of sweat. Systems of the invention allows for sensitive and selective detection of a range of analytes in sweat including metabolites, electrolytes and biomarkers. Systems of the invention provide a noninvasive and accurate means for quantitative characterization of important sweat characteristics including sweat volume, sweat loss and sweat rate. Systems of the invention are compatible with materials and device geometries for important class of conformal tissue mounted electronic devices, including epidermal electronic devices.

Epidermal sensing systems for optical readout, visualization and analysis of biofluids

Provided are microfluidic systems for monitoring a biofluid property and related methods. Specially configured microfluidic networks and associated structural support and functional elements, including flexible substrates, capping layers, and fluidic conduits and controllers, provide reliable biofluid collection. Optical components and indicators provide a reliable and readily observable readout, including of any of a number of biofluid properties, including directly from biofluid collected in the microfluidic network.

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Plano, TX, United States of America

Johnathan T Reeder