Kamat, Vivek; Xu, Kaixuan; An, Huijin; Du, Yayun; Weiss, Sharon M.; Bhansali, Shekhar. (2026). . Nano Letters, 26(27), 8589鈥�8599.
Wearable biosensors are advancing rapidly, allowing continuous monitoring of health and environmental signals through compact devices worn on the body. Two important sensing approaches are electrochemical sensors, which detect biological changes through electrical or chemical signals, and optical sensors, which use light to measure these changes. Each approach offers different advantages in sensitivity, accuracy, size, and energy use. This review examines the growing trend of combining both sensing methods within a single wearable device. Examples include sensors built into textiles for monitoring wounds and devices that measure hormone levels, where optical measurements can provide additional information about biological and chemical conditions. We also discuss emerging wearable designs that combine electrical and optical measurements to produce more reliable and detailed health data. Together, these technologies could support wearable diagnostic devices designed for long-term, real-world use, enabling continuous health monitoring and more personalized healthcare.
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