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Updated: Aug 27, 2025
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Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
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Surface potential modulation as a tool for mitigating challenges in SERS-based microneedle sensors
Vitor Brasiliense1,2, Ji Eun Park1, Eric J Berns3
1Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL-60208, USA.
Scientific Reports
|September 23, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel microneedle sensor strategy using surface potential to improve Raman spectroscopy biosensing. This method enhances analyte detection by controlling molecule adsorption and enabling advanced data analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biosensing Technology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Raman spectroscopic biosensing faces challenges with low signal intensity and complex mixtures of chemical species.
- Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) offers signal enhancement but relies on specific analyte adsorption, limiting general applicability.
- Existing methods struggle to differentiate between multiple analytes and mitigate confounding factors like surface reactions and competitive adsorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new strategy for Raman spectroscopic biosensing that overcomes limitations of low signal and analyte complexity.
- To utilize surface potential as a physical binding agent in microneedle sensors for improved analyte detection.
- To enable the differentiation and selective measurement of analytes in complex mixtures and the presence of interferants.
Main Methods:
- Development of microneedle sensors incorporating surface potential control.
- Exploitation of potential-dependent adsorption and desorption of chemical species.
- Application of multivariate analysis methods to spectral data obtained through cyclic adsorption/desorption.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that surface potential effectively controls the adsorption of different chemical species onto the sensor surface.
- Showcased the ability to scrutinize individual chemical contributions to the overall Raman spectrum.
- Successfully mitigated confounding phenomena including surface reactions, competitive adsorption, and interference from structurally similar molecules.
Conclusions:
- Surface potential-based microneedle sensors offer a robust strategy to enhance Raman spectroscopic biosensing.
- The method allows for effective decomposition of complex spectra, improving analyte quantification in the presence of interferants.
- This approach provides new opportunities for maximizing target analyte signals and advancing biosensing capabilities.
