Smart ring analyzes sweat in real-time, sending results to phone

Engineers at the University of California, San Diego, have created an experimental smart ring capable of continuously analyzing sweat from the finger. This innovative device monitors several key substances related to metabolism, nutrition, physical activity, and alcohol intake. The prototype can simultaneously measure up to four biomarkers, including glucose, ketones, vitamin C, uric acid, lactate, and alcohol, according to SciTechDaily.

This technology distinguishes itself from most existing wearable devices, which primarily rely on heart rate, movement, or skin temperature measurements. The new smart ring, however, is designed to capture changing chemical information from inside the body. Tamoghna Saha, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral researcher, explained that commercial rings provide biophysical information but lack the molecular data from biochemical markers that offer a more comprehensive assessment of a person's health.

The smart ring measures biomarkers in sweat. Researchers detailed the system in 'Nature Communications' as the first fully integrated smart ring for regular biochemical parameter monitoring. A key feature is that users do not need to exercise or induce sweating intentionally. Fingers naturally release small amounts of moisture, even during rest. The ring collects this fluid through osmosis, using a technique developed by Saha. The device employs a soft osmotic hydrogel that creates a pressure difference, gently drawing sweat through the skin. The fluid then flows into a narrow channel for analysis. This process is painless and does not require skin puncture.

Inside the ring, electrochemical sensors measure the concentration of specific substances in the collected sweat. Electronic signals are converted into estimated values using calibration coefficients personalized for each user. This individual calibration is crucial because sweat composition and the correlation between sweat and blood measurements can vary significantly from person to person. The ability to track multiple substances simultaneously could reveal interdependencies missed by single measurements. For example, glucose and ketones provide distinct yet related insights into how the body generates and utilizes energy. Continuous monitoring could offer significant health management benefits.

“

Commercial rings provide biophysical information, but they do not provide molecular data of biochemical markers that can better assess a person’s health.