Spatiotemporal molecular tracing of ultralow-volume biofluids via a soft skin-adaptive optical monolithic patch sensor

Yeon Soo Lee, Seyoung Shin, Gyun Ro Kang, Siyeon Lee, Da Wan Kim, Seongcheol Park, Youngwook Cho, Dohyun Lim, Seung Hwan Jeon, Soo-Yeon Cho () and Changhyun Pang ()
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Yeon Soo Lee: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Seyoung Shin: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Gyun Ro Kang: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Siyeon Lee: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Da Wan Kim: Korea National University of Transportation
Seongcheol Park: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Youngwook Cho: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Dohyun Lim: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Seung Hwan Jeon: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Soo-Yeon Cho: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Changhyun Pang: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Molecular tracing of extremely low amounts of biofluids is vital for precise diagnostic analysis. Although optical nanosensors for real-time spatiotemporal molecular tracing exist, integrating them into simple devices that capture low-volume fluids on rough, dynamic surfaces remains challenging. We present a bioinspired 3D microstructured patch monolithically integrated with optical nanosensors (3D MIN) for real-time, multivariate molecular tracing of ultralow-volume fluids. Inspired by tree frog toe pads, the 3D MIN features soft, hexagonally aligned pillars and microchannels for conformal adhesion and targeted fluid management. Embedding near-infrared fluorescent single-walled carbon nanotube nanosensors in a hydrogel enables simultaneous fluid capture and detection. Softening the elastomer microarchitecture and optimizing water management promote stable adhesion on wet biosurfaces, allowing rapid collection of ultralow-volume fluids (~0.1 µL/min·cm²). We demonstrate real-time, remote sweat analysis with ≥75 nL volumes collected in 45 s, without exercise or iontophoresis, showcasing high biocompatibility and efficient spatiotemporal molecular tracing.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58425-x

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