A modified method using the SonoPrep ultrasonic skin permeation system for sampling human interstitial fluid is
Marie M J Lecomte1, Kelly R Atkinson, Daniel P Kay
1Mt Albert Science Centre, The Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand. marie.lecomte@esr.cri.nz
Summary
A new minimally invasive method extracts skin interstitial fluid (ISF) for protein biomarker discovery. This technique allows proteomic analysis of ISF, aiding in disease diagnosis and health status assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Proteomics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Biomarkers in skin offer a novel diagnostic approach.
- Skin interstitial fluid (ISF) provides real-time protein secretion data for health insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a minimally invasive technique for transdermal collection of human ISF proteins.
- To assess the suitability of collected ISF for proteomic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a low-frequency ultrasonic skin permeation device (SonoPrep) to create micropores in the stratum corneum.
- Employed a portable pulsed vacuum device for ISF extraction through the induced micropores.
Main Results:
- Successfully recovered ISF proteins with concentrations ranging from 0.064 to 4.792 μg/μL (mean 1.258 μg/μL).
- Demonstrated ISF sample suitability for proteomic analysis via two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.
- Confirmed isolation of both high and low abundance proteins, including plasma and epidermal proteins, using Western blot analysis.
Conclusions:
- Developed and validated a minimally invasive method for transdermal ISF protein recovery.
- Showcased the utility of ISF samples for proteomic techniques like 2D gel electrophoresis and Western blotting.
- Established ISF analysis as a valuable tool for identifying disease-specific protein biomarkers.
