Elastic-Electric Coefficient-Sensitive Hydrogel Sensors toward Sweat Detection

The complex and multivariate biological systems and environment are challenging the development of related detection and analysis. It calls for the multiresponsive and facile sensing material and method for multi-analyte identification. In this work, we proposed an elastic-electric coefficient sensitivity strategy with hydrogel [amino trimethylene phosphonic acid-assisted poly(vinyl alcohol)] to achieve discriminative analysis of various chemicals. Elastic sensitivity based on the Hofmeister effect and electric sensitivity based on hydrated ion migration are explored in detail. With a rational design, the elasticelectric coefficient-sensitive hydrogel can qualify and quantify various kinds of chemicals (cations, anions, amino acids, saccharides, and lactate). The facile hydrogel sensor realized complicated sweat recognition and can be used in various applications such as environment monitoring, disease diagnosis, and athletic training optimization.

Automated summary

This study proposes a novel sensitivity strategy using a hydrogel assisted by amino trimethylene phosphonic acid to achieve discriminative analysis of various chemicals. The hydrogel demonstrates elastic sensitivity based on the Hofmeister effect and electric sensitivity based on hydrated ion migration. With a rational design, the hydrogel sensor can qualitatively and quantitatively identify different types of chemicals. This facile hydrogel sensor has potential applications in environment monitoring, disease diagnosis, and athletic training optimization.