Emerging Multifunctional Wearable Sensors: Integrating Multimodal Sweat Analysis and Advanced Material Technologies for Next-Generation Health Monitoring

Abstract

Sweat, a noninvasive and readily accessible biofluid, offers significant potential in health monitoring through its diverse biomarker profile, including electrolytes, metabolites, and hormones, which reflect physiological states in real time. Multimodal wearable sensors, integrating chemical, physical, and thermal sensing capabilities, have emerged as transformative tools for capturing these biomarkers alongside additional physiological signals. By combining advanced materials such as hydrogels, MXenes, and graphene with innovative structural designs, these sensors enable simultaneous monitoring of biomarkers (e.g., glucose, sodium, and cortisol) alongside parameters like movement and temperature. This Review systematically explores the classification and design of multimodal sensors, emphasizing their ability to address health monitoring challenges across applications including metabolic health management, stress detection, and hydration assessment. Key innovations in functional materials, such as conductive hydrogels and biomimetic structures, are discussed alongside challenges in signal integration, data processing, and power management. Additionally, advancements in self-powered systems and energy harvesting technologies have been highlighted as critical enablers for continuous, real-time monitoring. The Review concludes with a perspective on future directions, emphasizing the need for scalable manufacturing techniques, artificial intelligence integration, and standardized frameworks to enhance sensor functionality and adoption. Multimodal wearable sensors, by seamlessly integrating health data into daily life, hold the promise of transforming personalized healthcare, enabling proactive management of health and wellness through noninvasive, comprehensive, and real-time monitoring.