Wearable temporary tattoo sensor for real-time trace metal monitoring in human sweat

• First example of a wearable trace metal electrochemical sensor is demonstrated.
• Real-time monitoring of trace metal in human perspiration is described.
• Flexible and robust printable tattoo sensors withstand mechanical stress.
• Non-invasive epidermal stripping-voltammetric detection of trace metal is achieved.

A wearable electrochemical sensor for non-invasive monitoring of trace metals in human perspiration is described. The temporary tattoo-based printable stripping-voltammetric sensor has been applied for real-time monitoring of zinc in sweat using a bismuth/Nafion film electrode during physical activity. The Zn temporary tattoo sensor withstands repeated mechanical stress and displays a well-defined Zn response during on-body testing. Such a non-invasive stripping-voltammetric detection could be readily expanded to epidermal measurements of other relevant heavy metals.

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