In Vivo Electrochemical Immunoassays using ElectroNeedles

Keywords:
microneedle, glucose detection, general health monitoring

Abstract:
In this abstract, we present a novel in vivo design for the painless measurement of glucose and antigens using ElectroNeedles. ElectroNeedles are micron-sized electrodes whose adjustable height allows them to be placed either into the epidermal or dermal layers of a patient’s skin. This allows the biological recognition layer immobilized on the tip of the ElectroNeedle to be placed in intimate contact with the region of interest. The specificity of the ElectroNeedles is tailed by immobilizing biologically active compounds onto the electrode surface and using electrochemical measurement techniques to identify binding events. Such systems are capable of detecting lipids, proteins, antibodies, toxins, viruses, and glucose levels among others. Initial studies demonstrated the proof of concept using ElectroNeedles in vitro by detecting various levels of ferricyanide and quinone in porcine skin. Additional studies focused on using ElectroNeedles for the in vitro detection of glucose in porcine skin. Current work is focusing on using ElectroNeedles for the in vivo detection of antibodies in the dermal layers of skin. We believe that ElectroNeedles will someday soon enable first responders to generate a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health in the field.

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Nanotech 2005 Conference Program Abstract