Sweat Pore Mapping Using Hydrophilic Polymer Films

Abstract

In this study, we present a simple method for mapping sweat pores using a water-soluble polymer matrix film. Local adsorption of sub-nanoliter water secreted from sweat pores on human fingertips creates discrete microdimples on the hydrophilic polymer film. These microdimples can be readily visualized by a conventional optical microscope. This new method offers a promising route to enable mass production of sweat pore detection films by inexpensive means. Ultimately, this method has the potential feasibility of use in various personal identification applications and biomedical applications for clinical diagnosis of malfunctioning sweat pores.