Wearable electronic devices could transform disease diagnosis by continuously monitoring molecular biomarkers and physiological signals, according to a new review. The researchers suggest that advances in sensor technology, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence (AI) could enable earlier disease detection and more personalized clinical assessment.
The review, published in Nano-Micro Letters, examines developments in wearable diagnostic systems, including skin patches, smart contact lenses, and electronic textiles. Unlike conventional laboratory tests, which provide measurements at specific time points, these devices have the advantage of tracking biological changes continuously during everyday activities.
Wearable biosensors can detect metabolites, electrolytes, hormones, and other biomarkers in biological fluids, including sweat, tears, and saliva. Other sensors measure electrical activity, movement, and cardiovascular function. Combining these measurements could provide a more complete picture of disease progression than individual biomarkers alone.
The authors highlight applications across diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. For example, wearable glucose sensors, which are widely used, demonstrate the clinical value of continuous biochemical monitoring. Emerging platforms could use similar technologies to detect additional molecular targets, such as cytokine monitoring in immunology.
Recent manufacturing innovations, including three-dimensional printing, laser processing, and flexible electronics, have enabled smaller, more comfortable devices that integrate sensing, data processing, power supplies, and wireless communication. AI could further improve diagnostic interpretation by identifying patterns across multiple measurements and detecting deviations from an individual's usual physiological state.
However, the researchers emphasize that significant barriers remain before these technologies can be widely adopted in clinical practice.
Sensor performance may deteriorate during prolonged use, while movement, environmental conditions, and differences between individuals can affect measurement reliability. Translating biomarker concentrations in sweat or other fluids into clinically meaningful results also requires further investigation.
Crucially, many wearable technologies have not been adequately compared with established diagnostic methods, including laboratory assays, imaging, and histopathology. Analytical sensitivity alone cannot demonstrate clinical equivalence.
The authors conclude that wearable diagnostics should complement rather than replace conventional testing. Standardized validation, reliable long-term performance, and regulatory oversight will be essential to translating promising prototypes into clinically useful tools.
Newsletters
Receive the latest pathologist news, personalities, education, and career development – weekly to your inbox.
