How to Apply
Interested in participating in this research project? Contact the professor or graduate student listed below.
Professors
Dr. Chelsea Monty-Bromer (Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering) | cm78@uakron.edu
Dr. Ronald Otterstetter (Exercise Science) | ro5@uakron.edu
Graduate Student
Raiyanur Jamali | rrj24@zips.uakron.edu
Project Description
Our team has developed flexible, lightweight fabric materials that can selectively determine physiological information from sweat forming on the surface of the skin. The technology is the first lightweight fabric sensor to provide real-time information regarding hydration levels during exercise or training through selective determination of sodium ion levels. As sodium ion levels in the sweat increase, athletes must replace these electrolytes to remain hydrated. These dehydration patterns are unique and vary based on diet, weather conditions, and human physiological cycles. Therefore, there is not a “one size fits all” hydration program. The ability to monitor an individual’s hydration parameters is unique to the our sensor and gives it a competitive advantage over “sweat monitors” that monitor water lost or “water timers” that remind the athlete to drink water every 20 minutes.
The innovation is a flexible mat sensor made of multiwall functionalized nylon-6 material. The material is also functionalized with a molecule that reacts with sodium ions. As the sensor reacts with sodium ions in sweat, a complex-molecule forms which impedes the flow of an electrical current. This change in the current flow can allow the sensor to quantify the amount of sodium present. The proposed sensor will measure overall sodium ion concentration and changes in sodium ion concentration, so that all wearers will be able to determine if they are suffering from an electrolyte imbalance, regardless of starting point. Software can take the data and recommend how a user can replenish their hydration based on how much sodium is impeding the current.
Project Dates
Fall 2019, Spring 2020
Search Terms
Advanced Materials, Biomedical, For Credit, Non-Credit, Funded, Non-Funded, STEM