Noninvasive Urea Monitoring Using a Flexible Electrochemical Sweat Based Sensor
Authors: Yoon Jaesik , Lee Doohee , Lee Eunji , Sim Myeongseok , Oh Tae-Sik , Yoon Young Soo , Kim Dong-Joo 
Published: February 2020

With the development of technology in healthcare systems, interest in a wearable, portable, and even implantable device is growing, allowing health indicators to be read by direct skin contact [1], [2]. The non-invasive sensing platform overcomes the inconvenience of the conventional monitoring system and enabling easy and quick medical diagnosis in real time [3]. Urea is a major metabolite of the human body in a form of nitrogen, a key biomarker above the renal failure, dehydration, and hepatic issues [4], [5]. Urea detection is conceivable from serum, urine, and sweat in the body. The concentration of urea in the sweat is higher than that of serum so sweat based urea sensor can substitute the current pricking test method [6]. Higher levels of urea in sweat are also essential notices because they are correlated with uremia [7].

To sense the non-electric active of urea, the present method uses an enzyme in electrochemical sensors. The enzyme-based sensor consists of an enzyme (urease) and a mediator, which distinguishes the urease-catalyzed hydrolysis products [8]. However, the enzymatic sensor is complex, unstable, and costly, so non-enzyme sensors are better suited for wearable sensor devices. Nickel-based catalysts with nanostructures, large surface area, good electrical conductivity, and low cost are the best nominees for urea detection as they oxidize urea without enzymes [9]. Recently, a polymer-type substrate has been utilized for the flexible and wearable sensor device which requires porous and conductive polymers.

Herein, we investigated a facile approach to form nickel oxyhydroxide with metal (metal-NiOOH) based flexible electrochemical sensor by electrospinning method. The morphology and the structure of the metal-NiOOH catalysts were observed using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The metal-NiOOH catalysts with polymer showed excellent flexibility and competent linear sensitivity to urea electrooxidation in the physiological concentration area. A comprehensive investigation of the performances regarding metal-NiOOH as a catalyst in a sweat-based sensor will be presented.

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Acknowledgement

This work was supported by Agency for Defense Development (ADD) as global cooperative research for high performance and light weight bio-urine based fuel cell (UD160050BD) and the Ocean University of China-Auburn University (OUC-AU) Grants program.