Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
08:19
Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
14.5K
Design and characterization of a self-powered microneedle microfluidic system for interstitial fluid sampling.
Christopher T Sharkey1, Angélica F Aroche2, Isabella G Agusta2
1Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, 890 Oval Dr, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA. mdaniel6@ncsu.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|August 14, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel microneedle platform for effortless extraction of dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) for point-of-care diagnostics. The zero-power system enables passive ISF sampling and biomarker detection, offering a minimally invasive diagnostic solution.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) is a valuable source for point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics.
- Noninvasive and reliable ISF extraction methods are currently limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fully passive microneedle (MN) platform for zero-power ISF extraction.
- To integrate hydrogel-forming MNs, osmotic pumps, and paper microfluidics for ISF sampling and analysis.
- To evaluate the platform's efficiency for biomarker recovery.
Main Methods:
- Development of a passive MN system combining hydrogel MNs and an osmotic pump.
- Integration with paper microfluidics for fluid transport and detection.
- Evaluation of extraction efficiency using glycerol and glucose.
- Demonstration of cortisol recovery from ISF samples.
Main Results:
- Comparable ISF extraction efficiencies achieved with glycerol and glucose osmotic pumps.
- Successful recovery of cortisol, a stress biomarker, across various sampling durations (15 min, 45 min, 24 hr).
- Demonstrated suitability for both short-term and extended ISF monitoring.
Conclusions:
- The integrated MN system offers a simple, cost-effective, and minimally invasive approach for passive ISF sampling.
- The platform shows significant potential for advancing PoC diagnostic capabilities.
- This technology facilitates reliable biomarker analysis from ISF for health monitoring.
