Northwestern University researchers have introduced a wearable device designed to measure gases emitted from and absorbed by the skin. This innovation offers a novel way to assess skin health by monitoring various factors such as wound status, infections, hydration, and exposure to harmful compounds. The study presenting this technology appeared in the journal Nature and demonstrated efficacy in both small animals and humans.
John A. Rogers, who co-led the study, described the device as "a natural evolution of our lab’s wearable electronic devices that collect and analyze sweat." He noted that traditional methods require pharmacological stimulation of sweat glands or exposure to certain environmental conditions. The new approach captures naturally occurring skin emissions like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, which can reflect physiological health.
Guillermo A. Ameer, another co-leader of the study, emphasized the transformative potential of the device in clinical settings, particularly for vulnerable populations such as newborns, older adults, and patients with diabetes. "The beauty of our device is that we found a completely novel way to assess the status of delicate skin without having to come in contact with wounds, ulcers, or abrasions," Ameer stated.
The device includes a small chamber with sensors that hover above the skin without contact, equipped to measure changes in temperature and gas emissions. This no-contact design is aimed at fragile skin, preventing disturbance while gathering data. It's intended to empower patients to manage their skin health remotely, with data transmitted via Bluetooth to smart devices for real-time monitoring.
Dr. Amy Paller highlighted the device's capacity to provide insights into skin barrier integrity—a protective function preventing water loss and irritants. Current methods involve large probe machines typically found in hospitals. However, the wearable's portability and ability to continuously measure transepidermal water loss represent a significant advancement.
Traditional sensors rely on direct skin contact, limiting usage in delicate wound care. Rogers pointed out, "Our device overcomes this limitation by creating a small, enclosed chamber above the skin’s surface." The system uses an automatic valve for a dynamic measurement approach that adapts to environmental variations.
The device also aids in wound care by offering data that can guide timely antibiotic administration before infection escalates, thus addressing issues like antibiotic resistance. Ameer noted the importance of continuous monitoring in preventing diabetic-related amputations by assessing skin barrier restoration precisely.
Beyond healthcare, this technology may help evaluate bug repellent effectiveness, optimize skin cream penetration, and develop transdermal drug systems. The team plans to improve the device, adding features like pH tracking to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
Rogers suggested, "This unusual wearable platform provides a new way to think about and understand skin health," indicating its role in advancing personalized care through continuous, non-invasive health tracking.
The research received support from the Querrey-Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.