Smart wearable biosensor for non-invasive real time detection of sweat lactate using compression garments.

Venkatraman, PD, Velusamy, V, Kharel, R and Collins, S (2016) Smart wearable biosensor for non-invasive real time detection of sweat lactate using compression garments. In: 90th Textile Institute World Conference.

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Abstract

Over the past decade, there had been a surge in the use of wearable sensors to monitor health specially to determine the individual’s fitness level. It has been reported that lactic acid is a significant biomarker of anaerobic metabolism and higher concentrations of lactate in sweat can cause Ischemia and lead to hypoxia. Although, there had been an increase in the use of smart wearables such as heart rate, blood pressure, skin pH, and so forth, very little had been reported on the use of body fluids such as sweat. Therefore, a non-invasive monitoring of blood lactate becomes essential in determining individual’s health and fitness. In this research, the development, characterization and optimization of an electrochemical-based amperometric lactate biosensor screen-printed on to a knitted fabric is reported. The prototype screen-printed fabric lactate biosensor is composed of three electrodes that senses lactate concentration from the body sweat collected. A highly sensitive and stable lactate sensor based on PEDOT: PSS/PVA has been developed. The research will use wearer trials wearing prototype compression garments and measurements such as blood lactate, sweat rate, and garment performance in the subsequent stages of the research. The information obtained from this study will inform the design and development of compression garments that enhances blood flow, increases oxygen delivery to the muscles, and reduces the blood lactate concentration. The wearable device will also enable athletes to monitor their real time lactate concentration and pace their activity.