Validation of the use of electrical conductance to estimate moisture in absorbent tissues

Abstract

This work presents the validation of an experimental methodology for estimating moisture content in biological tissues based on electrical conductance measurements, with particular interest in clinical applications such as hydration monitoring and the detection of sudomotor dysfunctions. For initial validation purposes, a block of absorbent paper was used as a model material to which controlled volumes of water were applied, while the mass and electrical conductance were simultaneously recorded. The variation in mass enabled the moisture content to be calculated in each cycle, and the results showed a non-linear correlation with the measured conductance. This relationship was modelled using a second-degree polynomial fit, achieving a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0,992. These results support both the validity of the proposed methodology and the effectiveness of the electronic device to detect moisture variations continuously. Although the moisture range was limited by the properties of the material, the system demonstrates strong potential for application in real biological tissues.