Work

Vertical textile microfluidics: advancing on-garment sweat sampling for real-time biosensing

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The identification of novel physiological biomarkers in sweat requires real-time sampling and analysis. Here, we present the microfabrication of epidermal microfluidics within textiles via stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. Flexible SLA resin defines impermeable fluid-guiding microstructures in textile microfluidic modules. Their vertical stacking reduces device footprint and required sample volume, and facilitates on-body fluid collection, storage, and transport. Embedded internal modules act as a reservoir and injection valve, releasing a defined volume of sweat to the sensing unit. The pressure gradient across the modules provides a vertically distributed, capillary-driven sweat flow, guided by the wicking power of the textile structure. Their full integration into apparels offers non-cumulative flow through an extended air-liquid interface, ensuring continuous sweat transfer and evaporation. For real-time sweat analysis, we use a remotely screen-printed potassium (K + ) ion detector. This modular approach provides fabric-integrated, mechanically ergonomic microfluidics with multi-parameter detection through rapid additive manufacturing for advanced point-of-care diagnostics.

Source: npj Flexible Electronics

DOI: 10.1038/s41528-025-00416-5

Authors: Marina Galliani, Esma Ismailova, Pooya Azizian, Anatolii Makhinia, Joan M. Cabot

Institutions: Mines Saint-Étienne, Leitat Technological Center, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Linköping University, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,090

Funders: European Regional Development Fund, H2020 Excellent Science