Unlocking body-surface physiological evolution via IR-temperature dual sensing with single chalcogenide fiber

Abstract

Improvements to body-surface physiological monitoring ability including real-time, accuracy and integration, are essential to meet the expansive demands for personal healthcare. As part of this, simultaneous monitoring of sweat metabolites and body temperature offers an exciting path to maximizing diagnostic precision and minimizing morbidity rates. Herein, we report a high-performance biomarker-temperature sensor made of a single As₃Se₅Te₂ chalcogenide glass fiber to monitor physiology evolution on body-surface. The sensor integrates efficient thermal resistance and fiber evanescent wave effects, permitting the independent sensing of temperature and biomarkers with an ultrahigh temperature coefficient of resistance (−5.84% K^–1), rapid temperature response (0.3 s) and excellent IR sensing sensitivity. Moreover, by attaching a fiber to the wrist, we demonstrate simultaneous observation of both sweat metabolite (urea and lactate) and temperature changes during exercise. This illuminating sensing method will provide crucial capabilities in physiological monitoring and pave the way for advanced personalized diagnostic.