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  • Review Article
  • Published:

Microneedle-based biosensing

A Publisher Correction to this article was published on 05 July 2024

This article has been updated

Abstract

Microneedles (MNs) are microscopic needles that are applied to the skin in a minimally invasive way to facilitate transdermal drug delivery and/or uptake of interstitial fluid from the skin, which contains a variety of metabolites that can serve as biomarkers. The collection of interstitial fluid can be followed by post-sampling analysis or in situ real-time biosensing for disease diagnosis and drug monitoring. The painless and easy administration of MNs is appealing to patients, especially for long-term monitoring. In this Review, we discuss the use of MNs for biosensing purposes. We highlight the different types of MNs and sensing technologies used to develop MN-based biosensors. In addition, we discuss the potential to integrate MNs with wearable devices for real-time monitoring to improve point-of-care testing. Finally, we review the translational hurdles to be considered in bringing this technology from benchtop to bedside.

Key points

  • Skin, as the largest body organ, houses a wide range of metabolites that may be identified as biomarkers for disease prognosis and monitoring.

  • Microneedle (MN) technology is primarily used as a drug-delivery tool; however, there is a paradigm shift toward utilizing MNs for biosensing purposes.

  • MN-based biosensors can provide a powerful platform for high-throughput and rapid disease state diagnosis and monitoring.

  • Developing new sensing modalities can improve the accuracy, precision and sensitivity of MN-based biosensors.

  • MN-based biosensors offer a wide range of benefits for patients who require continuous and convenient health surveillance; however, multiple translational hurdles must be overcome before MN-based biosensors reach the market.

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Fig. 1: MN-based biosensor timeline and concept.
Fig. 2: Schematic for MN retention and biofluidic extraction mechanisms from the skin.
Fig. 3: Schematic representation of the working principles of MNs for biosensing.
Fig. 4: Advanced proof-of-concept devices with MN biosensors.

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