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An epidermal serine sensing system for skin healthcare

Author

Listed:
  • Ying Yuan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Beijing Forestry University)

  • Bowen Zhong

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiaokun Qin

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hao Xu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhexin Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Linlin Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiaofeng Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Wenxuan Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zheng Lou

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yongming Fan

    (Beijing Forestry University)

  • Lili Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Portable biosensors mainly focus on detecting biomarkers in biofluids but neglect the abundant skin biomarkers on the stratum corneum, which are associated with the functionality and integrity of the skin barrier. Here, we propose a sensing patch designed for direct sampling and in situ quantification of epidermal serine, an important biomarker for skin healthcare. The patch consists of a porous hydrogel for serine diffusion and ion conduction, and a molecular imprinted polymer-based electrochemical serine sensor. By integrating with a customized handheld serine tester, the serine sensing system enables in situ measurement of epidermal serine levels. We demonstrate the application of this serine sensing system in assessing the moisturizing effect of a skincare product and tracking the recovery progress of skin barrier function in a patient with atopic dermatitis. Our work opens up a potential application scenario for portable biosensors in personalized skin healthcare.

Suggested Citation

  • Ying Yuan & Bowen Zhong & Xiaokun Qin & Hao Xu & Zhexin Li & Linlin Li & Xiaofeng Wang & Wenxuan Zhang & Zheng Lou & Yongming Fan & Lili Wang, 2025. "An epidermal serine sensing system for skin healthcare," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58147-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58147-0
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