An Adhesive Patch-Based Skin Biopsy Device for Molecular Diagnostics and Skin Microbiome Studies

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Molecular Pathology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Histopathological confirmation of dermatological diagnoses often requires surgical biopsies.
• Advancements in molecular pathology necessitate non-invasive methods for sample collection.
• A bladeless adhesive patch device for skin sampling is characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of a novel adhesive patch device for non-invasive skin biopsy.
• To assess the quality and quantity of biomolecules (RNA, DNA) obtained from epidermal samples.
• To determine the stability and suitability of collected samples for molecular analyses.

Main Methods:

• Adhesive patches were applied to collect epidermal skin tissue samples.
• Sample biomass was assessed, and electron microscopy confirmed tissue harvesting.
• RNA and DNA were isolated from the collected epidermal samples.

Main Results:

• The device collected approximately 0.3mg of skin tissue per patch.
• Electron microscopy confirmed harvesting of epidermal layers.
• Stable storage of samples was achieved across a wide temperature range (-80°C to +60°C).
• Yields of total RNA, genomic DNA, and microbiome DNA were quantified.

Conclusions:

• The adhesive patch procedure is well-tolerated and provides a robust, non-invasive method for obtaining skin, RNA, DNA, and microbiome samples.
• Collected samples are suitable for various molecular analyses, including skin microbiome and cellular components.
• Non-invasively obtained samples can be cost-effectively shipped at ambient temperatures.