Biotagging method for animal identification using dissolvable microneedle arrays prepared by customisable moulds

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Animal Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Effective animal identification is crucial for human-animal coexistence and management.
• Conventional methods like ear punches, tattoos, and RF chips have limitations, including invasiveness and reliance on external equipment.
• There is a need for advanced, minimally invasive animal identification techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel biotagging method using dissolvable microneedle array patches (MAPs) for animal identification.
• To create a fabrication process for customizable MAPs capable of delivering patterned dyes into the skin.
• To assess the feasibility, durability, and readability of the patterned biotags in animal models.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of customized female molds for creating patterned microneedle array patches (MAPs).
• Utilizing dissolvable microneedle arrays to deliver dyes directly into the dermal layer for biotagging.
• Conducting basic evaluations and animal experiments (rat model) to test the MAPs' characteristics and performance.
• Assessing the long-term readability and durability of the formed skin patterns.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of patterned MAPs with customizable characters and numbers.
• Demonstrated feasibility of minimally invasive biotagging using the developed MAPs on rat skin.
• Confirmed that the biotags remained clear and readable for over one month.
• The method allows for the delivery of various tags directly into the skin layer.

Conclusions:

• The proposed microneedle array patch (MAP) biotagging method offers a minimally invasive and effective approach for animal identification.
• This technique eliminates the need for external equipment and complex procedures associated with traditional methods.
• The developed technology has potential applications for embedding various tags in both animal and human skin in the future.