Russian Scientists Develop Wearable Device to Measure Stress Through Skin
The sensor detects cortisol and other biomarkers in sweat, offering real-time insights into a person’s stress levels.
Researchers at Institut fiziki poluprovodnikov SO RAN (Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences) have developed and patented a portable sensor device that attaches to the arm and measures stress levels through the skin. The device is sensitive to cortisol concentration and other stress indicators released in sweat, the institute’s press service told IT Russia.
Monitoring stress levels is important for identifying dangerous conditions early, adjusting lifestyle and maintaining mental health. According to the developers, existing solutions often lack sensitivity to cortisol concentration and cannot provide accurate real-time data on changes in psychoemotional state. They also tend to be expensive and rely on indirect indicators, such as skin conductivity, or antibody-based methods, which reduces their effectiveness.
Wrist-Based Sensor
The new device addresses these limitations. It is inexpensive, simple to manufacture and easy to use, while delivering precise results. The sensor achieves high sensitivity to cortisol thanks to a flexible substrate coated with a 20-nanometer layer of a composite conductive material. This layer consists of graphene, an organic polymer and ethylene glycol, which reduces electrical resistance and increases sensitivity. The researchers propose applying the layer using 2D printing or a droplet-based method.
The team also noted that sweat contains various components: about 98% water and 2% chemical compounds, including salts, oxygen, glucose, adrenaline, cortisol, dopamine, enzymes and other substances.
The sensing unit is worn on the wrist, allowing sweat released through the skin to interact with the sensitive material. Electrical charge accumulates in the layer, increasing the conductivity of the sensing element.
