Microfluidic chip connected to porous microneedle array for continuous ISF sampling

Minimally invasive biosensing using microneedles (MNs) is a desirable technology for continuous healthcare monitoring. Among a wide range of MNs, porous MNs are expected to be applied for sampling of interstitial fluids (ISF) by connecting the internal tissue to external measurement devices. In order to realize a continuous measurement of biomarkers in ISF through porous MNs, their integration with a microfluidic chip is a promising approach due to its applicability to micro-total analysis system (μTAS) technology. In this study, we developed a fluidic system to directly interface porous MNs to a microfluidic chip consisting of a capillary pump for the continuous sampling of ISF. The porous and flexible MNs made of PDMS are connected to the microfluidic chip fabricated by standard microelectro-mechanical system (MEMS) processes, showing a continuous flow of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The developed device will lead to the minimally invasive and continuous biosampling for long-term healthcare monitoring.