Conformal microfluidics devices fabrication for sweat collection and detection

• Main Author: Lim, Gibson Zi Yang
• Other Authors: Li King Ho Holden
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/166782
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Sweat is an ideal substance for the continuous monitoring of various biomarkers due to its non invasive and easily accessible nature (Mena-Bravo & Luque de Castro, 2014). By monitoring these biomarkers in sweat, it becomes possible to detect numerous chronic health conditions such as diabetes, stress levels, and acute conditions like dehydration and muscle fatigue (Chung et al., 2019). The objective of this project is to create a solution that can design and fabricate conformal microfluidic devices for sweat sensing. The majority of sweat detection devices are currently made of PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane), which presents a challenge in creating a thin and flexible layer suitable for mass production. An alternative approach involves the use of flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electrochemical sensors, but this method is complex and time-consuming due to the fragility of the PCBs (Gao et al., 2016). This report aims to introduce an innovative manufacturing process that enables the creation of conformal microfluidic devices for sweat sensing. The manufacturing process for the conformal microfluidic devices for sweat sensing will involve various techniques, including laser cutting, hot embossing, and surface modification, to create enclosed microfluidic channels using thermoplastic materials that are suitable for mass production. Additionally, the integration of colorimetric hydrogel sensors will be studied to enable visual representation of the results through the naked eye or smartphone