Khaberni - Scientists at the Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences – Siberian Branch, have successfully developed a wearable sensor that attaches to the arm and allows for accurate measurement of stress levels through the skin.
The new device relies on analyzing the concentration of cortisol and other biological indicators in sweat, providing an immediate and continuous reading of a person's stress condition. Researchers affirm that this type of continuous monitoring is an important tool for early detection of psychological disorders and assists in adjusting lifestyle to maintain psychological and emotional balance.
The new innovation addresses shortcomings in previous devices, which suffered from lack of sensitivity, technical complexity, and high cost, not to mention some relied on indirect indicators such as skin conductivity or additional components that reduced accuracy of results.
The device is based on a highly efficient and low-cost sensor unit, easy to manufacture and use, directly attached to the skin, and relies on measuring electrical conductivity to monitor changes in psychological state over time.
The scientific team managed to significantly enhance the sensitivity of the sensor by using a very thin semiconductor layer no thicker than 20 nanometers, allowing for a finer tracking of changes in cortisol concentrations compared to traditional devices.
The sensor consists of a flexible substrate covered with a sensitive layer made of a composite conductive material comprising graphene and an organic polymer, along with ethylene glycol which contributes to lowering electrical resistance and increasing response efficiency. This layer can be applied using two-dimensional printing techniques or distillation.
Researchers explain that sweat comprises 98% water, and 2% chemical compounds including salts, glucose, adrenaline, cortisol, and dopamine. When the sensor is attached to the wrist, it directly interacts with the sweat, leading to the accumulation of electrical charges inside the sensitive layer, thereby increasing the electrical conductivity and accurately measuring the biological changes.
