Electrochemical sweat analysis is a technique that uses electrodes to measure the electrical responses of various sweat components, offering detailed insights into the body’s physiological state. This method is at the core of hydration check patches and similar products, which enable advanced sensor systems to provide real-time, continuous data. A typical electrochemical sweat sensor consists of three key components: a microfluidic device, which channels sweat directly from the skin to the sensor zone; a sensing mechanism, comprising an array of specialized electrodes that convert chemical concentrations into electrical signals; and an electronic unit that fine-tunes and transmits these signals for analysis.

Traditionally, electrochemical sensors relied on enzymes to detect specific compounds, but they had limitations such as single-use designs and frequent replacement needs. Recent advancements, such as the introduction of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have addressed these challenges. MIPs act as durable, reusable artificial antibodies capable of detecting a wide range of biomarkers, including amino acids and vitamins, with the ability to regenerate for extended use. This breakthrough paves the way for more robust sensors capable of tracking multiple biomarkers in a continuous fashion.