Systems and methods for real-time sweat sampling and analysis
Inventors
Harshman, Sean • Qualley, Anthony • Bowman, Amanda • Strayer, Kraig • Pitsch, Rhonda • Brothers, Michael
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11707262-B2
Publication Date
2023-07-25
Expiration Date
2041-05-25
Abstract
Systems and methods for continuous real-time sweat sampling and analysis are disclosed. In one case, a sweat collection device and method of using the same are provided. The sweat collecting device has a main body with a sweat-collecting surface that is placed adjacent the person's skin. A sweat collecting tube is provided. The first end of the sweat collecting tube is joined to a bore in the main body of the device and the second end extends outward therefrom. In another case, a sweat collection article and method of collecting sweat from a person's skin using the sweat collection article are provided. The sweat collection article includes: a sweat collecting tube placed adjacent to the person's skin, and at least one piece of flexible material that has an adhesive that adheres the article to the person's skin and is positioned to overlie one end of the tube. In both cases, the second end of the sweat collecting tube is in fluid communication with an instrument such as a mass spectrometer that analyzes the sweat on a real-time basis. The systems and methods may further include a device for removing salt from the sweat that is arranged so that the sweat is transported to the device prior to being transported to the instrument for analyzing the sweat.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to systems and methods for continuous real-time sweat sampling and analysis that improve upon traditional bulk sweat collection methods. It provides a sweat collecting device with a main body having a sweat-collecting surface placed adjacent to the person's skin and a sweat collecting tube joined to a bore in the main body. The second end of the tube extends outward and is in fluid communication with an instrument, such as a mass spectrometer, that analyzes the sweat on a real-time basis.
This invention addresses the problem that conventional sweat collection methods collect single, large sweat samples over an entire experiment, which only represent average analyte concentrations and lose the temporal resolution to observe changes during the collection period. The invention enables continuous, real-time analysis, capturing changes in sweat properties or analyte concentrations as they occur over time.
Embodiments include a first device with a concave sweat-collecting surface, an axial bore, and sweat collector tubing that delivers sweat directly to an analytical instrument. A second embodiment is a sweat collection article comprising a thin, flexible, adhesive covering that seals over a sweat collector tube placed on the skin, with the tube connected to an analysis instrument. Furthermore, systems may include a device for removing salt from the sweat before analysis to enhance detection sensitivity.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes independent claims directed to continuous real-time sweat collection and analysis systems and methods that incorporate specific structural and functional elements.
Continuous real-time sweat collection system with integrated sweat collecting device and mass spectrometer
A sweat collecting device having a main body with a concave sweat-collecting surface and an axial bore, with sweat collector tubing joined at the bore and extending out to a free end that fluidly communicates with the input of a mass spectrometer configured to receive sweat samples continuously.
Inclusion of a salt removal device between the sweat collecting device and the analytical instrument
A device for removing salt from the sweat positioned in fluid communication with the sweat collecting device and the analytical instrument, arranged so that sweat passes through the salt removal device prior to analysis; suitable devices include electrodialysis, microdialysis, and ion concentration polarization devices.
Continuous real-time method of sweat collection and analysis via mass spectrometry
A method comprising attaching a sweat collection device with a main body having a concave sweat-collecting surface and axial bore, connected to sweat collector tubing; placing the tubing in fluid communication with a mass spectrometer; collecting sweat so it travels through the tubing to the instrument; and analyzing the sweat samples on a continuous basis.
The independent claims cover systems and methods for continuous real-time sweat sampling employing a specifically configured sweat collecting device and tubing linked to mass spectrometry analysis, optionally including salt removal devices to improve analytical performance.
Stated Advantages
Provides continuous real-time sweat sampling and analysis as opposed to conventional bulk sampling methods.
Enables detection of a relatively unlimited number of analytes, including biomarkers, lipids, amino acids, and metabolites, during collection.
Allows monitoring of changes in analyte concentrations or properties over the collection period.
Salt removal prior to analysis improves the ability to detect analytes present in lower quantities by reducing ion suppression.
Documented Applications
Detection and monitoring of biomarkers in human sweat continuously during exercise, heat acclimation, or other sweat-inducing conditions.
Measuring multiple analytes simultaneously in sweat for biomarker discovery to sustain or enhance human performance.
Use with instruments such as mass spectrometers including electrospray ionization mass spectrometers for real-time sweat analysis.
Application to any biological subject capable of producing sweat.
Interested in licensing this patent?