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Updated: May 29, 2026

Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
A miniaturized implantable electrochemical platform for continuous monitoring of metabolites in deep tissue
Kenneth E Madsen1,2, Dane Hintermueller1, Elliot A Opel3
1Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
Abstract:
The loss or suppression of local metabolic function in living tissues brought about by a lack of oxygen availability (ischemia) serves as the origin for myriad life-threatening conditions including stroke, heart failure, and peripheral ischemic injury. Despite the pressing clinical need to evaluate local tissue health, platforms that support such analysis remain elusive. To address this need, we present a wireless, minimally invasive, multianalyte, electrochemical probe supporting the continuous profiling of local metabolites including K+ and pH, and the semicontinuous profiling of lactic acid. We validate the analytical capabilities of our sensing system by ion profiling in arterial whole blood. Furthermore, we use acute compartment syndrome as a model for tissue ischemia and use our percutaneously implanted probes to track metabolic changes in living muscle in real time.

