(Invited) integration of Microneedles and Electrochemical Sensors for Medical Applications

Abstract

Microneedles are small-scale devices that may be used for access to interstitial fluid and/or capillary blood for transdermal monitoring of chemicals [1]. In this presentation, the integration of several types of electrochemical sensors with hollow microneedles will be considered. For example, carbon fiber electrodes have been integrated with digital micromirror device-produced microneedles; ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide were detected with these devices [2]. Carbon paste electrodes have also been integrated with digital micromirror device-produced microneedles; electrodes made from rhodium-dispersed carbon paste were used for hydrogen peroxide sensing [3]. In addition, lactate oxidase-modified rhodium-dispersed carbon paste electrodes were demonstrated for lactate sensing, including in the presence of interferents such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, and acetaminophen. A multiplexed microneedle array containing digital micromirror device-produced microneedles was subsequently used for amperometric detection of glucose, lactate, and pH; detection of these analytes in complex media was shown [4]. More recently, digital micromirror device-produced hollow microneedles were modified with a working sensor, which was prepared with graphene ink and 4 (3-Butyl-1-imidazolio)-1-butanesulfonate) ionic liquid. Direct oxidation of fentanyl via square-wave voltammetry was shown; a detection limit of 27.8 μM was demonstrated using this approach [5]. Two photon polymerization has also been used to create hollow microneedles for biosensing; a porous carbon electrode created using interference lithography was used for potassium ion sensing in the presence of interfering sodium ions [6]. In another study, nitrogen-incorporated ultrananocrystalline diamond coatings were deposited on Ti –6Al–4V alloy microneedles using microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition; dopamine and uric acid were electrochemically detected in an in vitro study [7]. These studies indicate that microneedles may have utility for minimally invasive detection of analytes in a real time manner. Benefits and disadvantages of the microneedle-based sensing approach as well as efforts needed for clinical translation of microneedle-based sensing technology will be considered.