NCT07047664

KERMIT: Sweat Patch for Early Kidney Disease Detection

Kidney Disease Sweat Sensor Patch for Early Diagnosis and Remote MonIToring

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Ioannina · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the global population, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Early detection is crucial for preventing disease progression and complications; however, awareness and diagnosis of CKD remain alarmingly low. Current methods rely on blood or urine analysis, which are invasive and require specialized facilities. The KERMIT patch aims to address this gap by providing a wearable lab-on-a-chip device capable of measuring key biomarkers from sweat non-invasively. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize CKD diagnosis, particularly in remote or underserved areas. The KERMIT patch integrates functional printed biosensors, a high-frequency electrochemical microchip, and a sustainable microfluidic system. Sensors are fabricated using carbon inks and 2D materials, enabling immunodetection and non-enzymatic sensing of creatinine, urea, and cystatin C. Preliminary tests evaluated detection limits, skin compatibility, and carbon footprint.

Conditions

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	KERMIT dermal patch	The KERMIT patch is a non-invasive, wearable device designed to collect sweat and measure concentrations of kidney function biomarkers, including creatinine, urea, and cystatin C. The patch integrates printed biosensors and a microfluidic system for electrochemical detection. It is applied to the skin for a short duration (typically \<1 hour), with pilocarpine stimulation. This study evaluates the patch's performance in differentiating between CKD patients with reduced versus preserved renal function.
DEVICE	KERMIT dermal patch	The KERMIT patch is a non-invasive, wearable device designed to collect sweat and measure concentrations of kidney function biomarkers, including creatinine, urea, and cystatin C. The patch integrates printed biosensors and a microfluidic system for electrochemical detection. It is applied to the skin for a short duration (typically \<1 hour), with pilocarpine stimulation. This study evaluates the patch's performance in differentiating between CKD patients with reduced versus preserved renal function.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-07-01
• Primary completion: 2025-12-01
• Completion: 2026-07-01
• First posted: 2025-07-02
• Last updated: 2025-07-02