Microneedle Sensors for Multiplex Applications: Toward Advanced Biomedical and Environmental Analysis

Abstract

Microneedles(MNs) are versatile tiny devices that have attracted interest in various fields including medicine, environment, food and agriculture due to their unique properties, such as low-cost, simplicity, pain-free application and minimally invasive penetration, therapeutic efficacy, biosensing ability, and biocompatibility. These properties along with the MNs distinctive geometry including dimension control, material type and fabrication techniques have enabled the optimization of MNs based on each desired application. This review summarizes the latest advances in MN-based sensors in a variety of fields and provides a bird's eye view over the wide range of applications, starting from material and fabrication techniques to advanced sensor types in the biomedical and environmental fields for both sensing and treatment, and showing the profound advantages of this emerging tool in clinical and sustainable fields.

Protocol to fabricate wearable stretchable microneedle-based sensors

“… 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 These electronics provide a better interface between the skin and the device, which makes them a perfect fit for wearable applications, such as biomechanical sensors, e-skin for diagnostics and therapy, and allow for the real-time tracking of bodily signals such as chemical, biological, and physical indicators. 1 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 The method we propose in this protocol is simple, easy, cost-effective, and provides a practical solution to a significant challenge that can be applied in real-life applications. Moreover, it doesn’t require complex procedures or heavy instruments, making it affordable and feasible to implement without the need for special expertise.…”

“… 23 , 24 In addition, the protocol can be employed to make MNs on pliable patches for drug administration and treatment uses, transcending diagnostic functions, thus enlarging the variety of potential applications. 9 , 25 , 26 , 27 …”

Self-powered freestanding multifunctional microneedle-based extended gate device for personalized health monitoring

“…Not only can they measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs), minerals, carbohydrates, and hormones from breath, skin, and body fluids, but they can also determine important biomarkers in interstitial fluid (ISF) like electrolytes such as potassium (K + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), sodium (Na + ) and more [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] . In this regard, using microneedles (MNs) based sensors is an effective strategy to monitor the ISF analytes in a minimally invasive and rapid manner, without the need for expert personnel or using painful and complex devices [6] , [9] , [12] , [13] , [14] . Measuring biomarkers including electrolytes and pH, is crucial due to their role in metabolic processes including regulating nerves, kidneys, heart, and muscle cells [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] .…”

“…Thus, advancing the wearable devices for multiple measurements particularly the ratio and combination of the biomarkers, besides being a stand-alone powered system can provide more precise information on the online health status. Additionally, advancing the sensors to rely on extended gate field effect transistors can provide an added advantage including stability and electrical performance advancing the obtained data [12] , [13] .…”

Biodegradable, Biocompatible, and Implantable Multifunctional Sensing Platform for Cardiac Monitoring

“…In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the use of wearable and implantable devices for detecting, preventing, and treating different conditions. Fitness trackers, electrocardiography (ECG) monitors, and smartwatches, among other wearable devices, give nonstop monitoring of cardiac health and early indications of potential issues. − Implantable devices offer an all-encompassing answer for those with serious heart conditions. , These devices provide remarkable advantages over different external monitoring applications in healthcare and clinical settings because they can precisely keep track of vital signals within the body, thus improving patient safety and quality of life . For example, implantable cardiac monitors, such as the BioMonitor 2 device, can monitor the rhythm of the heart continuously and record the ECG for early diagnosis of arrhythmia. , An additional example is the implantable cardiac monitor Reveal XT device for the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) .…”