US20250082244
2025-03-13
Human necessities
A61B5/302
The patent application discusses a novel wearable technology designed to monitor low-concentration biomarkers, specifically cortisol found in sweat. This is achieved through a flexible field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor array that leverages a newly developed cortisol aptamer. The system aims to address the limitations of existing wearable sensors, which are typically restricted to detecting biomarkers in higher concentration ranges.
The core innovation lies in the use of a cortisol aptamer coupled with nanometer-thin-film In2O3 channels within the FETs. This combination allows for the accurate detection of cortisol at nanomolar concentrations in various biofluids, including sweat. The system translates molecular recognition events into electrical signals, providing real-time monitoring capabilities.
The physiological importance of cortisol as a stress biomarker is underscored by its role in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. The technology was validated through tests correlating salivary and sweat cortisol levels during stress-inducing scenarios, such as the Trier Social Stress Test. These tests demonstrated the potential for continuous, noninvasive monitoring of stress levels.
The technology has been integrated into a smartwatch format, equipped with a custom multi-channel, self-referencing autonomous source measurement unit. This setup enables seamless, on-body validation and real-time cortisol detection in sweat, offering a practical solution for stress monitoring in daily life.
This sensing system represents a significant advancement in wearable health monitoring technologies, particularly for biomarkers present at low concentrations. Potential applications extend beyond stress monitoring to include insights into metabolic status, inflammation, and other physiological states. The technology sets the stage for future developments in personalized healthcare and continuous biomarker tracking.