An integrated wearable microneedle array for the continuous monitoring of multiple biomarkers in interstitial fluid

Implementations of wearable microneedle-based arrays of sensors for the monitoring of multiple biomarkers in interstitial fluid have lacked system integration and evidence of robust analytical performance. Here we report the development and testing of a fully integrated wearable array of microneedles for the wireless and continuous real-time sensing of two metabolites (lactate and glucose, or alcohol and glucose) in the interstitial fluid of volunteers performing common daily activities. The device works with a custom smartphone app for data capture and visualization, comprises reusable electronics and a disposable microneedle array, and is optimized for system integration, cost-effective fabrication via advanced micromachining, easier assembly, biocompatibility, pain-free skin penetration and enhanced sensitivity. Single-analyte and dual-analyte measurements correlated well with the corresponding gold-standard measurements in blood or breath. Further validation of the technology in large populations with concurrent validation of sensor readouts through centralized laboratory tests should determine the robustness and utility of real-time simultaneous monitoring of several biomarkers in interstitial fluid. A wearable array of microneedle-based sensors can be used to wirelessly measure the levels of glucose simultaneously with those of alcohol or lactate in the interstitial fluid of volunteers performing common daily activities.

Automated summary

The study presents a fully integrated wearable array of microneedles for wireless and continuous real-time sensing of metabolites in interstitial fluid. The device shows robust analytical performance and good correlation with gold-standard measurements.