Sweat capture using a novel wearable epifluidic device

The Department of the Navy Secretary of the Navy Office of Naval Research awarded a $300,000 Project Grant under the Basic and Applied Scientific Research program (CFDA 12.300) to the University of Connecticut for the period of September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2023. The grant funds the development of a novel wearable epifluidic device to capture sweat from subjects during underwater diving in order to quantify biomarkers indicative of hydration, cognitive, and physical stress. Sweat samples will be collected using the "Discovery Patch" and extracted biomarkers, including electrolytes, cortisol, and cytokines, will be measured by a third-party laboratory. Epicore Biosystems, Inc. serves as a sub-awardee to assist with methodology development and sample collection, processing, and shipping. The results of this exploratory study aim to establish proof-of-concept for objectively tracking sweat biomarkers and developing an integrated colorimetric sensing patch for deployment in underwater missions.