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Texas A&M Secures Patent for Sweat-Activated, Skin-Friendly Adhesive in Medical Wearables

Successful biocompatibility tests pave the way for clinical evaluation on glucose monitors, heart sensors and sleep trackers.

A user checks blood sugar data on a mobile app while wearing an arm-mounted glucose monitor.
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Overview

  • The water-based polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) adhesive matches the stick strength of commercial 3M Tegaderm without solvent-based polymers.
  • PEC formulation minimizes common skin reactions such as rashes, itchiness and inflammation reported with acrylate and colophonium adhesives.
  • Laboratory studies show salt in perspiration enhances PEC adhesion over time, improving grip in wet conditions.
  • The technology is now patented and detailed in Macromolecular Rapid Communications following peer-review.
  • Early-stage funding from PATHS-UP and an Army Phase II SBIR grant supports ongoing work toward clinical trials and commercial rollout.