A prototype mouthguard that monitors health markers via saliva is being developed at UCSD.
The large device must be streamlined and miniaturized for mass adoption, but the concept of noninvasive monitoring of lactate, cortisol, and uric acid, is excellent. Previously, this was only possible through a blood test. The device can be worn by athletes, patients, or the military.
The sensing platform is screen printed using silver, Prussian blue ink and uricase, an enzyme that reacts with uric acid. It was nano-engineered to provide the chemical equivalent of a two-step authentication system, ensuring a uric acid-only reaction. The system includes a potentiostat, microcontroller, and Bluetooth Low Energy transceiver.