Co_1.22xNi_xO₄/fMWCNTs-hybrid nanocomposite-based self-adhesive wearable non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for continuous glucose monitoring in sweat

The development of polymer-based wearable, eco-friendly, and non-invasive sensors has been boosted by the rapid emergence and evolution of soft electronics. However, challenges in the catalysis of glucose and sweat sampling have hampered these advances in the development of efficient wearable glucose sensors. Herein, the porous Co_1.22xNi_xO₄ hybrid composite material with interconnecting fMWCNTs, referred to as Co_1.22xNi_xO₄/fMWCNTs, was hydrothermally synthesized, and covalently crosslinked into well-patterned, flexible PDMS polymer networks. The hydrophilic fMWCNTs enhanced the anchoring spots for the in situ growth of NiCo–Oxides, which significantly improved the conductive networks and introduced many interface zones with high sensitivity of (1190.9 and 1312.1) µA·mM⁻¹·cm⁻², wide linear range of (0.001 − 8.0) mM, low detection limit (20 μM), good long-term stability, and excellent selectivity in alkaline solution. A prototype sensor was fabricated by assembling transparent PDMS film with a hydrophilic membrane of supramolecular double network hydrogel (SP−DN) as adhesive, and breathable substrate for sweat collection. The sensitivity of the calibrated prototype was found to be 1326.83 µA·mM⁻¹·cm⁻² with a linear range of ≤ 800 µM, tested in artificial sweat samples. The feasibility of a non-invasive glucose sensor was validated by assembling and testing prototype sensors on multiple volunteers. The SP−DN hydrogel acts as a continuous OH⁻ ion supplier, and makes it possible to oxidize the glucose by metal-oxide-based nano-enzyme. The facile fabrication method and reliability of the results with real blood samples show the potential of the metal-oxide-based sensor prototype as a flexible, and environment-adaptable sensing device.