Microneedle Aptamer-Based Sensors for Continuous, Real-Time Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosensing Technology

Background:

• Continuous molecular monitoring in interstitial fluid (ISF) is crucial for assessing systemic physiology.
• Existing microneedle sensors are limited to detecting redox-active molecules, restricting their application.
• A need exists for advanced biosensors capable of detecting a wider range of molecules in ISF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate microneedle-supported electrochemical, aptamer-based (E-AB) sensors for expanded molecular detection in ISF.
• To overcome the limitations of redox-dependent biosensing in microneedle arrays.
• To enable continuous, affinity-based molecular measurements in biological fluids.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microneedle E-AB sensor arrays.
• Development of a regeneration method for multiple sensor uses.
• In vitro testing of continuous molecular measurements in flow systems (single and multiplexed).
• In vivo demonstration of E-AB sensing in rodent ISF.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication and regeneration of microneedle E-AB sensor arrays.
• Demonstration of continuous, affinity-based molecular sensing in vitro.
• First successful in vivo measurement of a molecule in rodent ISF using an E-AB microneedle sensor.
• Validation of the expanded sensing scope beyond redox-active molecules.

Conclusions:

• Microneedle E-AB sensors significantly expand the range of molecules detectable in ISF.
• The developed platform supports continuous monitoring and sensor regeneration.
• This technology shows promise for translation to preclinical research and in vivo applications.