Overview

• Proof-of-concept studies on synthetic-skin models collected measurable samples in as little as 15 minutes and preserved them for at least 24 hours.
• The four-layer patch integrates swelling microneedles, a paper collector, and a glycerol gel that drives battery-free flow through osmotic pressure.
• Cortisol served as the test biomarker, and the team built an electronic reader that quantifies cortisol directly from the paper strip.
• Researchers report that human testing has started and that additional reader devices for other biomarkers are in development.
• The work is published in Lab on a Chip with NSF ASSIST and other support, and the lead author discloses a role with DermiSense as the team seeks industry partners.