A Sample and Detection Microneedle Patch for Psoriasis MicroRNA Biomarker Analysis in Interstitial Fluid

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Skin interstitial fluid (ISF) contains valuable biomarkers for early disease diagnosis.
• Minimally invasive sampling and sensitive detection of cell-free biomarkers in ISF remain significant challenges.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial biomarkers for various diseases, including psoriasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop microneedles (MNs) for efficient ISF collection and sensitive detection of multiple miRNA biomarkers.
• To utilize gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and graphene oxide (GO) for creating advanced microneedle technology.
• To enable personalized diagnosis and prognosis through automated, minimally invasive biomarker monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of GO-GelMA microneedles with enhanced mechanical properties and swelling capacity.
• Optimized ISF collection kinetics using the developed microneedles.
• Sensitive detection of specific miRNA biomarkers using catalytic hairpin assembly signal amplification.
• Analysis of miRNAs directly on the microneedle patch or after elution.

Main Results:

• GO-GelMA MNs demonstrated robust mechanical properties and rapid ISF sampling, collecting up to 21.34 μL in 30 minutes.
• The microneedles facilitated effective enrichment and sensitive detection of multiple miRNA biomarkers from ISF.
• Preliminary detection of three psoriasis-related miRNA biomarkers was achieved.
• The technology allows for both in-situ and ex-situ miRNA detection.

Conclusions:

• GO-GelMA microneedles offer a promising platform for minimally invasive ISF collection and analysis.
• This technology enables sensitive, multi-biomarker detection, particularly for miRNAs relevant to diseases like psoriasis.
• The automated and minimally invasive approach holds significant potential for personalized diagnostics and prognostics.