Hydrochromic conjugated polymers for human sweat pore mapping.
Hydrochromic materials have been actively investigated in the context of humidity sensing and measuring water contents in organic solvents. Here we report a sensor system that undergoes a brilliant blue-to-red colour transition as well as 'Turn-On' fluorescence upon exposure to water. Introduction of a hygroscopic element into a supramolecularly assembled polydiacetylene results in a hydrochromic conjugated polymer that is rapidly responsive (<20 μs), spin-coatable and inkjet-compatible. Importantly, the hydrochromic sensor is found to be suitable for mapping human sweat pores. The exceedingly small quantities (sub-nanolitre) of water secreted from sweat pores are sufficient to promote an instantaneous colorimetric transition of the polymer. As a result, the sensor can be used to construct a precise map of active sweat pores on fingertips. The sensor technology, developed in this study, has the potential of serving as new method for fingerprint analysis and for the clinical diagnosis of malfunctioning sweat pores.
Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Joosub
J
Lee
Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Minkyeong
M
Pyo
Department of Physics, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Sang-hwa
SH
Lee
1] Department of Physics, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea [2] Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Jaeyong
J
Kim
Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Moonsoo
M
Ra
Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Whoi-Yul
WY
Kim
Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Youngin-Si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Korea.
Bum Jun
BJ
Park
Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Chan Woo
CW
Lee
1] Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea [2] Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Jong-Man
JM
Kim
D003124:Colorimetry / Q000379:methods; D005385:Fingers / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D000078789:Polyacetylene Polymer; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D053279:Polyynes / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D013543:Sweat Gland Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013545:Sweat Glands / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D000078789:Polyacetylene Polymer; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water; D053279:Polyynes; C082361:polydiacetylene