Microneedle-based bioassays

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Traditional bioassays for disease diagnosis and monitoring require invasive body fluid extraction, causing pain and needing specialized equipment.
• Current bioassay methods are often complex, painful, and require trained medical professionals, highlighting the need for less invasive alternatives.
• Microneedles (MNs) are emerging as a minimally invasive, painless, and simple alternative for body fluid sampling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and categorize microneedle (MN)-based platforms for disease detection and diagnosis.
• To discuss the design principles and mechanisms of MN-based bioassay platforms.
• To explore the challenges and future opportunities for MN-based bioassays in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of MN-based bioassay platforms based on their functional mechanisms: body fluid reservoirs, electrochemical assays, and colorimetric analyses.
• Review of recent advancements in microfabrication and materials engineering for MN development.
• Analysis of design principles for effective MN-based bioassay platforms.

Main Results:

• Microneedle-based platforms show significant promise for minimally invasive bioassays.
• Three main categories of MN-based bioassays have been identified: fluid reservoirs, electrochemical, and colorimetric.
• Progress in microfabrication and materials science enables advanced MN architectures and functionalities.

Conclusions:

• Microneedle-based bioassays represent a significant advancement over traditional methods for disease diagnosis and monitoring.
• Further development and clinical validation are needed to overcome challenges and realize the full potential of MN-based bioassays.
• MN platforms offer a promising future for accessible, patient-friendly diagnostic tools.