Issue 16, 2013

Smartphone based health accessory for colorimetric detection of biomarkers in sweat and saliva

Abstract

The mobile health market is rapidly expanding and portable diagnostics tools offer an opportunity to decrease costs and increase the availability of healthcare. Here we present a smartphone based accessory and method for the rapid colorimetric detection of pH in sweat and saliva. Sweat pH can be correlated to sodium concentration and sweat rate in order to indicate to users the proper time to hydrate during physical exercise and avoid the risk of muscle cramps. Salivary pH below a critical threshold is correlated with enamel decalcification, an acidic breakdown of calcium in the teeth. We conduct a number of human trials with the device on a treadmill to demonstrate the ability to monitor changes in sweat pH due to exercise and electrolyte intake and predict optimal hydration. Additionally, we perform trials to measure salivary pH over time to monitor the effects of diet on oral health risks.

Graphical abstract: Smartphone based health accessory for colorimetric detection of biomarkers in sweat and saliva

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
06 Apr 2013
Accepted
07 Jun 2013
First published
07 Jun 2013

Lab Chip, 2013,13, 3232-3238

Smartphone based health accessory for colorimetric detection of biomarkers in sweat and saliva

V. Oncescu, D. O'Dell and D. Erickson, Lab Chip, 2013, 13, 3232 DOI: 10.1039/C3LC50431J

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements