A Flexible Aptameric Graphene Field-Effect Nanosensor Capable of Automatic Liquid Collection/Filtering for Cytokine Storm Biomarker Monitoring in Undiluted Sweat

A wearable sensor capable of directly detecting cytokines in external secretions external to the human body is pivotal for gauging the intensity of the immune response and circumventing inflammatory storms, a significant clinical concern. The detection of low-concentration cytokines is often hampered due to interference from impurities in secretions. Addressing this challenge, a wearable detection system is developed by integrating a Janus membrane with water auto-collection/filtering capabilities, and aptamer-modified graphene field-effect transistor sensors, enabling the detection of low-concentration cytokines in undiluted sweat samples. The Janus membrane can automatically filter external secretions and transport them to the sensor surface, effectively eliminating impurity interference and enhancing the sensor's detection capabilities. The device can sensitively detect cytokines (such as TNF-α, a marker for inflammation and cancer) in undiluted sweat, with a detection range spanning 0.5 to 500 pM, and a detection limit reaching 0.31 pM. The ultra-flexibility of the sensor is also verified, maintaining stable electrical properties even after enduring up to 50 extreme deformations. These findings indicate that the wearable detection system has the potential to realize low-concentration cytokines monitoring in the sweat of inflammatory patients, to assist the healthcare system in controlling the body's immune status.