The Rise of Smart Skin Using AI-Powered SERS Wearable Sensors for Real-Time Health Monitoring

Wearable health monitoring sensor patch on a skin surface © DK Studio-chronicles-stock.adobe.com

Wearable Health Monitoring Through Sweat

Wearable health sensors are undergoing a transformative shift, thanks to the integration of advanced spectroscopic techniques like surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) (1,2). A recent review titled “Trends and Advances in Wearable Plasmonic Sensors Utilizing Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): A Comprehensive Review” in Sensors by Svetlana N. Khonina and Nikolay L. Kazanskiy from Samara National Research University and the Image Processing Systems Institute at the NRC “Kurchatov Institute” in Russia, provides a sweeping look at the emerging field of wearable SERS-based sensors. These innovative devices are redefining how we monitor health and environmental conditions, offering molecular specificity and ultra-sensitive detection capabilities in real time (1).

Why Sweat Is the New Blood in Diagnostics

Unlike blood, sweat can be collected non-invasively and continuously—ideal for wearable applications. According to the review, sweat contains a rich mix of biomarkers, including electrolytes, hormones, and metabolites that reveal insights into hydration levels, stress, metabolism, and chronic disease states. When combined with plasmonic nanostructures like gold or silver nanoparticles, SERS-based sensors can identify these biomarkers with exceptional sensitivity. The review emphasizes that such plasmonic enhancement makes SERS particularly suited for detecting trace molecules, an essential trait for early disease detection and personalized healthcare (1,2).

SERS vs. LSPR: Not All Plasmonic Sensors Are Alike

While both localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and SERS depend on plasmonic effects, their sensing mechanisms differ significantly. LSPR measures changes in refractive index, useful for tracking binding events in environmental or biochemical conditions. In contrast, SERS amplifies the vibrational signals of molecules, producing detailed molecular fingerprints for highly specific identification. Khonina and Kazanskiy underscore that this distinction is crucial for wearable applications, where SERS offers the advantage of chemical specificity in identifying multiple biomarkers simultaneously—even at single-molecule concentrations (1).

Nanotechnology at the Heart of Wearable SERS Devices

The review details how innovations in nanofabrication have allowed for plasmonic nanostructures to be embedded in flexible substrates such as skin patches and smart textiles. These wearable devices can comfortably conform to the human body while maintaining high sensitivity and accuracy. Materials science plays a pivotal role here; gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles create localized electromagnetic fields that significantly amplify Raman signals, enabling rapid, accurate analysis of minute biomolecular changes (1,2).

AI and Machine Learning: Supercharging Sensor Intelligence

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects highlighted in the review is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into wearable SERS systems. These algorithms not only process complex spectral data in real time but also reduce signal noise, identify subtle spectral variations, and improve accuracy in biomarker recognition. The review notes that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and deep learning (DL) models are being trained to interpret SERS data for conditions ranging from diabetes to neurological disorders—allowing for earlier intervention and improved disease management (1).

Bridging the Gap Between Lab and Lifestyle

The authors describe how recent advances in microfluidics and flexible electronics are enabling compact, energy-efficient designs. These breakthroughs make SERS sensors more accessible for daily use, whether in fitness tracking, disease prevention, or environmental monitoring. Devices can be read using smartphones or portable Raman spectrometers, making them user-friendly for both consumers and clinicians (1).

Challenges and Future Directions

While the promise of wearable SERS technology is enormous, challenges remain. The review outlines key obstacles such as device miniaturization, power efficiency, and long-term stability. It also points to the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among materials scientists, data scientists, and healthcare professionals to bring these sensors into widespread clinical use. The authors envision future wearables that combine SERS with AI to deliver continuous, personalized health insights—paving the way for preventive medicine and real-time diagnostics (1,2).

This published review offers a forward-looking vision of how wearable SERS-based plasmonic sensors, when combined with AI and advanced materials, are on the brink of a dramatic change in healthcare. By turning everyday perspiration into a diagnostic goldmine, these innovations signal a future where non-invasive, intelligent, and real-time health monitoring is not just possible but practical (1).

References

(1) Khonina, S. N.; Kazanskiy, N. L. Trends and Advances in Wearable Plasmonic Sensors Utilizing Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): A Comprehensive Review. Sensors 2025, 25 (5), 1367. DOI: 10.3390/s25051367

(2) Yang, K.; Wang, Z.; Zhu, K.; Zhao, Y.; Wu, L.; Zong, S.; Wang, Z. A Wearable SERS-Microfluidic Patch for Continuous Monitoring of Kidney Health-Related Biomarkers in Sweat. Talanta 2025, 293, 128039. DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2025.128039