SERS-Integrated Microneedles: Bridging Nanoplasmonics and Microsampling for Advanced Bioanalysis

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Conventional biological sampling methods are invasive, costly, and inconvenient.
• Sensitive analytical techniques are crucial for health monitoring, diagnostics, agriculture, and food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the emerging applications of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy-integrated microneedles (SERS-MNs).
• To critically examine the requirements, working principles, challenges, and opportunities for SERS-MNs in various fields.

Main Methods:

• Integration of microneedle (MN) technology with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
• Development of portable, self-administered devices and wearable medical devices incorporating SERS-MNs.
• Systematic examination of materials, structural design, and fabrication methods for SERS-MNs.

Main Results:

• SERS-MNs provide a noninvasive, convenient, and highly sensitive approach for in vivo sampling of extracellular fluids.
• The hybrid technique offers unprecedented user compliance and analytical sensitivity for biomonitoring.
• SERS-MNs are suitable for point-of-care testing and real-time, long-term biochemical monitoring via wearable devices.

Conclusions:

• SERS-MNs represent a versatile technology for clinical diagnostics, precision agriculture, and food safety.
• Integration into wearable devices facilitates long-term, real-time health monitoring, empowering proactive health management.
• Future opportunities lie in advancing SERS-MNs for widespread application in diverse monitoring scenarios.