# "Wearable sensor for opioids detection based on electrochemical sensor array integrated with Bluetooth device "

> **NIH NIH R43** · EMITECH, INC. · 2020 · $328,961

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Wearable sensor for opioids detection based on electrochemical sensor array
 integrated with Bluetooth device
 In this Phase I project, we will develop the prototype of a wearable device, as a
forearm bracelet, for rapid, on-site opioid intake monitoring and alerting. We will
demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by fabricating an electrochemical sensor
array, sweat stimulator, and flexible printed circuit board, integrated all in one microchip
capable of opioids detecting in human sweat with ultra-high sensitivity (ng/L range) and
enhanced selectivity. To provide an ultra-high sensitivity, a nanoporous silicon
membrane will be employed as a substrate for the working electrode. Additionally,
advancements of the proposed approach include a high level of integration of all
functional modules in one microchip, low cost and maintenance through long-term
durability, low power consumption, and cost-effective production.
The proposed Phase I project has three Aims:
• Aim 1: Develop a prototype of the sensory wearable device, which comprises: (i)
 an electrochemical sensor array tuned to two target opioids and integrated with
 (ii) a sweat stimulator, (iii) flexible printed circuit board and (iv) Bluetooth
transceiver;
• Aim 2: Demonstrate that the prototype is capable of opioid detecting with ultra-
 high sensitivity (within ng/L range) and high selectivity/low cross-reactivity;
• Aim 3: Investigate the correlation between prototype sensitivity/specificity and
 human parameters (age, gender) with the assistance of drug treatment center
 in Fall River, MA.
 In Phase II the prototype of the wearable device will be further optimized and
developed to the level of commercial readiness. Major objectives of Phase II include:
wireless communication with user interface (smartphone, computer), increasing the
number of sensors in the array to other opioids (mostly synthetic), improvement of
sensitivity (down to low ng/L range) cross-reactivity and long-term stability, business
plan preparation, patent filing and establishing contacts with end-users, purchasers and
venture groups so that product commercialization can be started after Phase II.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10142625
- **Project number:** 1R43DA051289-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** EMITECH, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Igor A Levitsky
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $328,961
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-30 → 2021-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10142625

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10142625, "Wearable sensor for opioids detection based on electrochemical sensor array integrated with Bluetooth device " (1R43DA051289-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10142625. Licensed CC0.

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