Abstract
In this work, we present a fabrication process for microneedle sensors made of polylactic acid (PLA), which can be utilized for the electrochemical detection of various biomarkers in interstitial fluid. Microneedles were fabricated by the thermal compression molding of PLA into a laser machined polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mold. Sensor fabrication was completed by forming working, counter, and reference electrodes on each sensor surface by Au sputtering through a stencil mask, followed by laser dicing to separate individual sensors from the substrate. The devised series of processes was designed to be suitable for mass production, where multiple microneedle sensors can be produced at once on a 4-inch wafer. The operational stability of the fabricated sensors was confirmed by linear sweep voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry at the range of working potentials of various biochemical molecules in interstitial fluid.
Highlights
The desire to lead a healthy life and increased life expectancy are gradually changing the medical service paradigm from ‘diagnosis and treatment’ to prevention and management [1,2,3]
By mounting a three-electrode system consisting of working, counter, and reference electrodes, microneedles have evolved into a sensor technology to monitor the levels of biometrically valuable biochemicals in biofluids using electrochemical detection methods [14,15], such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry
We present a fabrication procedure suitable for the mass production of microneedle sensors, which can be utilized for the electrochemical detection of various biomarkers in biofluids
Summary
The desire to lead a healthy life and increased life expectancy are gradually changing the medical service paradigm from ‘diagnosis and treatment’ to prevention and management [1,2,3]. To take advantage of this trend, user-customized healthcare technologies that aid lifestyle management, such as the management of food intakes, weight, and body shape, have received much attention [4,5]. To realize such healthcare technologies, sensors are required that are capable of accurately monitoring user biometric variables, conveniently yet inexpensively. By mounting a three-electrode system consisting of working, counter, and reference electrodes, microneedles have evolved into a sensor technology to monitor the levels of biometrically valuable biochemicals in biofluids using electrochemical detection methods [14,15], such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Unlike subcutaneous vein detection using hypodermic needles, the microneedle sensor penetrates the skin minimally and controllably to a depth of several hundred micrometers, which provides a patient-compliant and painless way of obtaining biometric data from interstitial
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