Development of army relevant integrated photonics MIP platform

Wearable biosensors have emerged as an advancement in the field of performance and threat monitoring in part due to the potential to overcome the limits of conventional soldier health monitoring and environmental sensing technologies. However, to transition these devices to universal use, several challenges like selectivity, sensitivity, stability, level of invasivity, and efficient sample handling must be overcome. Additionally, discovery of novel biomarker and correlation to performance for current and emerging threats should continue. We introduce the integration of a synthetic and biomimetic xerogel layer onto a photonic chip, for the stable and selective monitoring of targeted soldier performance biomarkers. The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) material has been optimized for selection and capture of the human stress hormone cortisol, and a proof-of-principle experiments will be discussed. This sensor can be integrated onto a wearable diagnostics platform, thus potentially providing real-time monitoring of stress, and other biomarkers, in commonly accessed fluids like sweat.