Synthesis-free swellable hydrogel microneedles for rapid interstitial fluid extraction and on-site glucose detection via an electrochemical biosensor system
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Current methods to detect biomarkers often involve lengthy turnaround times due to the need for blood extraction and subsequent laboratory analysis. Microneedles (MNs) offer a minimally invasive solution to access the interstitial fluid (ISF); however, they are limited by challenges such as hazardous material synthesis, insertion techniques, small ISF volumes (2–5 μL), and lengthy extraction time. This study presents a novel swellable MN patch combined with a biosensing platform to enable on-site glucose detection through an optimized applicator-assisted insertion method. The highly efficient MN patch extracts up to 7.06 ± 0.44 μL of ISF in 5 min without the typical post-processing instruments such as vacuum or suction. The extracted ISF is applied to the modified electrodes, which detect the target biomarker (glucose) with high sensitivity (9.68 μA mM −1 cm −2 ) and a low detection limit (0.08 mM) under optimized conditions. In addition to effectively recovering glucose molecules, the MN patch demonstrates enhanced efficiency and penetration depth, with a critical correlation established between the volume of extracted ISF and the glucose recovery rate, as validated through comprehensive in-vitro and ex-vivo tests. This MN-based biosensing approach could offer a viable alternative to traditional blood tests, glucometers, finger-prick methods, or continuous monitoring devices. • Microneedle patch rapidly extracted 7.06 μL of interstitial fluid in 5 min. • The applicator improved microneedle penetration and fluid extraction. • The volume of fluid extracted impacts biomarker recovery, such as glucose. • On-site glucose detection with high sensitivity and low detection limit was achieved. • Microneedle-based biosensors are a promising substitute for blood tests, finger pricks, and wearables.
Source: Materials Today Chemistry
Institution: University of Southern Queensland
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
OpenAlex ID: W4409150053