University of Duisburg-Essen Students Develop Non-Invasive Metabolic Patch
Two master’s students at the University of Duisburg-Essen are developing a wearable sensor patch designed to monitor metabolic parameters continuously without drawing blood. Abdulmohaimen Algamoudi, 27, and Abdullah Osman Gwela, 28, built the working prototype under the project name VitaMetis, aiming to eliminate time-consuming laboratory tests for substances like urea, vitamins, and hormones.
The device uses an optical method to detect specific chemical concentrations in human sweat. The underlying technology relies on tiny carbon nanotubes brought to application readiness at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS in Duisburg. A handheld scanner reads the recorded data directly from the patch on the skin, bypassing traditional needle-based procedures entirely.
Presentation at the Munich Electronics Trade Fair
The student project has earned a place in the nationwide COSIMA competition. Algamoudi and Gwela are scheduled to present their working prototype at electronica, an international electronics trade fair in Munich, on November 12 and 13. The team receives ongoing support from the university and their academic supervisor, Prof. Dr. Karsten Seidl from the Electronic Devices and Circuits research group.
Beyond the competition, the creators intend the technology for broad commercial application. “We want to develop a technology that benefits as many people as possible — whether they are healthy individuals, athletes, pregnant women, or patients with kidney disease,” Algamoudi explains. They also note potential humanitarian applications in regions with constrained healthcare infrastructure, such as Libya.
Frequently Asked Questions About VitaMetis
How does the VitaMetis sensor detect metabolic substances?
The sensor patch uses an optical detection method combined with carbon nanotube technology developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS to measure chemical concentrations in sweat.
When and where will the prototype be showcased?
The student developers will present the working prototype at the electronica international electronics trade fair in Munich on November 12 and 13 as part of the nationwide COSIMA competition.
Who is supporting the development of the sensor patch?
The project receives backing from sponsors, the University of Duisburg-Essen, and Prof. Dr. Karsten Seidl from the institution’s Electronic Devices and Circuits research group.
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