Issue 5, 2024

Harvesting and manipulating sweat and interstitial fluid in microfluidic devices

Abstract

Microfluidic devices began to be used to facilitate sweat and interstitial fluid (ISF) sensing in the mid-2010s. Since then, numerous prototypes involving microfluidics have been developed in different form factors for sensing biomarkers found in these fluids under in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo (on-body) settings. These devices transport and manipulate biofluids using microfluidic channels composed of silicone, polymer, paper, or fiber. Fluid flow transport and sample management can be achieved by controlling the flow rate, surface morphology of the channel, and rate of fluid evaporation. Although many devices have been developed for estimating sweat rate, electrolyte, and metabolite levels, only a handful have been able to proceed beyond laboratory testing and reach the stage of clinical trials and commercialization. To further this technology, this review reports on the utilization of microfluidics towards sweat and ISF management and transport. The review is distinguished from other recent reviews by focusing on microfluidic principles of sweat and ISF generation, transport, extraction, and management. Challenges and prospects are highlighted, with a discussion on how to transition such prototypes towards personalized healthcare monitoring systems.

Graphical abstract: Harvesting and manipulating sweat and interstitial fluid in microfluidic devices

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
13 Oct 2023
Accepted
22 Dec 2023
First published
10 Jan 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1244-1265

Harvesting and manipulating sweat and interstitial fluid in microfluidic devices

T. Saha, S. Mukherjee, M. D. Dickey and O. D. Velev, Lab Chip, 2024, 24, 1244 DOI: 10.1039/D3LC00874F

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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