Fe/Pt dual-atom catalyst-enabled wearable microfluidic patch for superior uric acid detection in sweat

Wearable sweat sensors offer a promising non-invasive approach for real-time physiological monitoring, with significant potential in personalized medicine. In this study, we present an innovative wearable patch designed for highly sensitive and accurate detection of uric acid (UA) in human sweat. The sensor integrates superior platinum-iron dual-atom catalysts (Pt/Fe DACs), developed based on iron single-atom catalysts (Fe SACs), to achieve selective and precise UA detection across a wide concentration range (6.25-1500 mu M). To enhance the sensor's performance, a pH electrode based on polyaniline (PANI) is incorporated for reliable pH calibration. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to explore the catalytic mechanism of UA detection and the synergistic interaction between Fe and Pt atoms in the catalyst, which improves sensor sensitivity. Additionally, we developed a microfluidic patch made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with enhanced hydrophilicity to facilitate efficient sweat collection. This work presents a valuable approach for advancing wearable sweat sensors for UA detection and offers a promising strategy for the application of wearable sensors in personalized health monitoring.