Microneedles Detect Real-Time Chemical Changes in the Body
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 19 Jan 2012 |
Image: Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a hollow microneedle. In this study, hollow microneedles were integrated with sensors for detection of glucose, lactate, and pH levels (Photo courtesy of North Carolina State University).
A new technology uses microneedles to allow doctors to detect real-time chemical changes in the body--and to do so continuously for an extended period of time.
Microneedles are very small needles in which at least one dimension--such as length--is less than one millimeter. The hollow channels within microneedles are loaded with electrochemical sensors that can be used to detect specific molecules or pH levels.
Existing technology relies on taking samples and testing them, whereas this approach allows continuous monitoring, explained Prof. Narayan of NC State's College of Engineering (Raleigh, NC, USA) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC, USA). "For example, it could monitor glucose levels in a diabetic patient," he said.
The scientists developed a proof-of-concept sensor array incorporating three types of sensors, which could measure pH, glucose, and lactate. However, Prof. Narayan says the array could be modified to monitor a wide variety of chemicals.
"The idea is that customized microneedle sensor arrays could be developed and incorporated into wearable devices, such as something like a wristwatch, to help answer specific medical or research questions," added Prof. Narayan. "It's also worth pointing out that microneedles are not painful."
The technology was developed by scientists from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC, USA), Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM, USA), and the University of California, San Diego (CA, USA).
The microneedles were described online in the November 2011 edition of the journal Talanta.
Related Links:
NC State's College of Engineering
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Sandia National Laboratories
Microneedles are very small needles in which at least one dimension--such as length--is less than one millimeter. The hollow channels within microneedles are loaded with electrochemical sensors that can be used to detect specific molecules or pH levels.
Existing technology relies on taking samples and testing them, whereas this approach allows continuous monitoring, explained Prof. Narayan of NC State's College of Engineering (Raleigh, NC, USA) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC, USA). "For example, it could monitor glucose levels in a diabetic patient," he said.
The scientists developed a proof-of-concept sensor array incorporating three types of sensors, which could measure pH, glucose, and lactate. However, Prof. Narayan says the array could be modified to monitor a wide variety of chemicals.
"The idea is that customized microneedle sensor arrays could be developed and incorporated into wearable devices, such as something like a wristwatch, to help answer specific medical or research questions," added Prof. Narayan. "It's also worth pointing out that microneedles are not painful."
The technology was developed by scientists from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC, USA), Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM, USA), and the University of California, San Diego (CA, USA).
The microneedles were described online in the November 2011 edition of the journal Talanta.
Related Links:
NC State's College of Engineering
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Sandia National Laboratories
Latest Clinical Chem. News
- 3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models
- POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection
- Highly Reliable Cell-Based Assay Enables Accurate Diagnosis of Endocrine Diseases
- New Blood Testing Method Detects Potent Opioids in Under Three Minutes
- Wireless Hepatitis B Test Kit Completes Screening and Data Collection in One Step
- Pain-Free, Low-Cost, Sensitive, Radiation-Free Device Detects Breast Cancer in Urine
- Spit Test Detects Breast Cancer in Five Seconds
- Electrochemical Sensors with Next-Generation Coating Advances Precision Diagnostics at POC
- First-Of-Its-Kind Handheld Device Accurately Detects Fentanyl in Urine within Seconds
- New Fluorescent Sensor Array Lights up Alzheimer’s-Related Proteins for Earlier Detection
- Automated Mass Spectrometry-Based Clinical Analyzer Could Transform Lab Testing
- Highly Sensitive pH Sensor to Aid Detection of Cancers and Vector-Borne Viruses
- Non-Invasive Sensor Monitors Changes in Saliva Compositions to Rapidly Diagnose Diabetes
- Breakthrough Immunoassays to Aid in Risk Assessment of Preeclampsia
- Urine Test for Monitoring Changes in Kidney Health Markers Can Predict New-Onset Heart Failure
- AACC Releases Comprehensive Diabetes Testing Guidelines