Non-invasive Measurement of Glucose and Lactate in Thermoregulatory Sweat in Neonates and Adults

We are developing a novel device for neonatal health assessment that enables non-invasive monitoring of thermoregulatory sweat biomarkers—specifically glucose, lactate, and cortisol—through integrated microfluidic and microneedle-based biosensing technologies. Conventional neonatal glucose monitoring relies on heel-prick blood sampling, an invasive and uncomfortable method. Sweat analysis offers a gentler alternative; however, most existing systems require active sweat induction through physical exertion. Our approach utilizes a skin-interfaced microfluidic patch capable of sampling basal thermoregulatory sweat, eliminating the need for induction. Continuous, real-time wireless monitoring of glucose and lactate is achieved using a microneedle biosensor platform (1), while cortisol detection is performed via an aptamer-based sensor (2) employing square-wave voltammetry.

To evaluate feasibility, we have conducted monitoring studies involving preterm and small-for-gestational-age infants born to mothers with gestational or pre-existing diabetes, as well as adult participants. The device enables reliable tracking of skin glucose levels and supports correlation analysis between skin and blood glucose. This preliminary investigation establishes the groundwork for larger clinical studies to validate performance and clinical significance.

Preliminary results will be presented, highlighting the functionality and potential of the continuous and non-invasive microfluidic biosensing system for both neonate and adult monitoring.

1: Gowers, et al. 2020. Analyst 145: 1894-902
2: Xiao, et al. 2007 Nat Protoc 2, 2875–2880