Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Wearable chemical sensors enable non-invasive, real-time monitoring of biomarkers in sweat, saliva, and exhaled breath, with demonstrated correlation to blood glucose levels (e.g., graphdiyne oxide/Au nanoparticle sensors). • • Self-powered sensors integrating triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) achieve ammonia detection with high sensitivity at room temperature, as shown by Au-decorated MoSe2 nanoflowers driven by MoS2 piezoelectric nanogenerators. • • Flexible gas sensors based on nanocomposites (e.g., polyaniline/CNT) exhibit rapid response and recovery for ammonia monitoring in human breath, with detection limits suitable for respiratory diagnostics. • • Advances in materials such as graphene/MOF hybrids and 3D biomimetic templating enable selective detection of ethanol and acetone, respectively, with potential for diabetes-related monitoring.
Abstract
Real-time health monitoring and ongoing evaluation of physiological conditions are becoming increasingly vital for the advancement of future medical diagnostics and personalized healthcare solutions. Given that certain illnesses necessitate prompt and accessible detection methods, wearable chemical sensors have garnered considerable interest for their capability to monitor health through physiological signals and chemical indicators. This review delivers a thorough examination of recent developments in four primary categories of wearable chemical sensors: biosensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and ion sensors. We explore the representative materials, device structures, operating mechanisms, and various application scenarios for each type of sensor. By investigating the latest innovations in these technologies, we aim to provide a detailed overview of the current research landscape, highlight existing challenges, and present potential future directions of wearable chemical sensors in healthcare monitoring.
1. Introduction
Wearable chemical sensors have emerged as a transformative approach for continuous health monitoring, yet their translation from laboratory prototypes to commercial devices has been hindered by challenges in sensitivity, selectivity, and power supply. Traditional rigid sensors fail to conform to the skin, while enzymatic sensors suffer from instability and require frequent calibration. Moreover, the reliance on batteries limits long-term wearability and user compliance.
This review addresses these bottlenecks by systematically analyzing recent innovations in materials and device architectures that enable flexible, self-powered, and highly selective chemical sensing. By integrating advanced nanomaterials such as graphene, metal-organic frameworks, and transition metal dichalcogenides with energy harvesting technologies like triboelectric nanogenerators, researchers have achieved room-temperature operation and enhanced sensitivity. These developments pave the way for practical, non-invasive health monitoring devices that can detect a wide range of biomarkers in real time.
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Lei Tang, Jianshu Zheng, Zhaolei Li, Feiyang Liu, Lingyun Wang, William W. Yu (2026). Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Next Generation of Wearable Chemical Sensors for Personal Health Monitoring. SCIENCE CHINA Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-025-3780-3
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main challenges in achieving long-term stability of wearable chemical sensors under real-world conditions?
Long-term stability is compromised by sensor drift, biofouling, and mechanical fatigue. For instance, enzymatic sensors degrade over time due to protein denaturation, while nanomaterial-based sensors may suffer from surface oxidation. Strategies such as encapsulation, self-calibration, and the use of robust materials like MOFs are being explored to mitigate these issues.
How do self-powered sensors address the power supply bottleneck in wearable devices?
Self-powered sensors integrate energy harvesters like triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that convert mechanical energy from body movements into electrical signals. This eliminates the need for bulky batteries, enabling continuous operation. For example, a TENG-based ammonia sensor achieved high sensitivity at room temperature, demonstrating the feasibility of battery-free operation.
What are the detection limits and response times of the discussed gas sensors for clinical applications?
The review highlights sensors with detection limits in the parts-per-billion range for gases like ammonia and acetone. For instance, Au-decorated MoSe2 nanoflowers exhibited a response time of less than 10 seconds, making them suitable for real-time respiratory monitoring. However, further validation is needed for clinical settings.
How do wearable chemical sensors compare to traditional blood-based diagnostics in terms of accuracy and reliability?
Wearable sensors offer non-invasive, continuous monitoring, but their accuracy may be affected by variations in sweat composition and skin conditions. Studies show a strong correlation between sweat glucose and blood glucose, but calibration is required. For example, graphdiyne oxide/Au nanoparticle sensors demonstrated effective glucose detection in sweat with a correlation coefficient above 0.9.
What are the scalability and cost challenges for commercializing these wearable sensors?
Scalability is limited by the complex fabrication processes of nanomaterials and the integration of flexible substrates. Cost is also a factor, as materials like graphene and MoS2 are expensive. However, advances in roll-to-roll printing and solution-based synthesis are expected to reduce costs. The review suggests that hybrid approaches combining low-cost materials with high-performance components could achieve cost parity with existing technologies.
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