Near-Field Electrochemistry Enables a Wearable Sensor-Embedded Smart Facemask for Personalized Respiratory Assessment

Continuous monitoring of respiratory waveforms with daily wearable devices can provide valuable physiological data for health assessments. However, developing miniature sensors that feature both high portability and stability for real-time monitoring of respiratory waveforms remains a challenge. We recently developed a near-field electrochemical mechanism that could be used as an emerging sensing strategy for respiratory monitoring in anesthetic rats. Nevertheless, the application of this mechanism for wearable applications in human subjects remains a challenge. To well meet the requirements of wearable applications, we develop a near-field electrochemical system by establishing its theoretical expression and designing a portable signal acquisition device, enabling wireless humidity sensing with high sensitivity and stability. We further embed the sensor chip into commercially available procedural masks, transforming them into smart facemasks capable of continuously monitoring breath waveforms for real-time assessment of respiration in human subjects engaged in physical activities. The sensing system is expected to stimulate broader applications in disease diagnosis and fitness training.