Summary
Researchers in Japan have developed a new method for creating chloride ion sensors that can be integrated into clothing to monitor the wearer’s health. These sensors track the concentration of chloride ions in sweat, providing insights into electrolyte balance and detecting potential issues like dehydration, heat stroke, and low sodium levels.
While current wearable sensors are uncomfortable and can cause skin irritation, this new approach involves printing the sensor’s electrodes onto clothing using a technique called «heat transfer printing.» The sensors are printed onto removable polyester film and then attached to various textiles using heat and pressure. This setup allows the sensor to be separated from the skin, eliminating irritation concerns.
The sensors accurately measure chloride ion levels as sweat is absorbed by the textile, and the data can be wirelessly transmitted to a device. Testing on a human volunteer demonstrated the sensors’ accuracy in real-time measurements of chloride ions in comparison to saliva measurements. The researchers believe these sensors could lead to more personalized healthcare plans, optimized workout schedules, and improved overall health monitoring.
Article written by Sam Jarman
09/08/2023
Source:
FreeThinker
https://www.freethink.com/health/heat-stroke-wearable