Lithium in Sweat Sensor

2022: Announcement of a sensor to determine the level of lithium in the body

On August 29, 2022, it was revealed that researchers at the University of California had developed a sensor that could quickly provide data on the level of lithium in the body using sweat.

Lithium is used to treat diseases such as bipolar disorder, but it is very difficult to get the dose right to maximize its therapeutic properties while reducing the risk of potentially dangerous side effects. Another problem is that treatment can be poorly followed by patients. If the patient misses some doses and the medication does not appear to work, the doctor should usually draw blood and order a laboratory test to check if lithium levels are impaired. It's time-consuming and the methods are invasive and expensive.

A sensor has been released to determine the level of lithium in the body

While it can be subtle, the human body constantly releases sweat, often in very small amounts, says Shuyu Lin, one of the creators of the sensor. Molecules derived from a variety of drugs, including lithium, are found in sweat. We saw this as an opportunity to develop a new type of sensor that would detect these molecules.

A tiny sensor can detect lithium in the sweat at the tip of a finger, although the small amount of sweat that is usually present at that location is a problem because the sensor electrodes need an aqueous medium to work. To solve this problem, the researchers added a hydrogel to the surface of the sensor, which includes glycerin, which helps prevent it from drying out.

The ion-selective electrode detects lithium ions using a paired reference electrode to calculate the difference in electrical potentials, which indicates the lithium concentration in the sweat sample. The device can produce a result in as little as 30 seconds.

With one touch, our new device can gain clinically useful information at the molecular level about what's in the body, said Sam Emaminejad, another researcher involved in the study. We already actively use touch electronics, such as smartphones and keyboards, so this sensor can easily integrate into everyday life.[1]

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