Characterization of 3D-Printed Hollow Microneedle Array Towards Analyte Sampling and Detection
摘要
The demand for smart healthcare sensors has increased recently due to their real-time and self-monitoring capabilities. Microneedles particularly offer a minimally invasive way to access skin interstitial fluid for on-device monitoring. However, microfabrication of hollow microneedle (HMN) structures with designated tips using wafer-scale methods has been costly and challenging. This study introduces distinctive features of a 3D-printed HMN array designed based on height (h) and bore diameter (d) for analyte sampling and detection on an integrated platform. The HMN design features a sharp tip with the smallest printed bore measuring 225 µm—25% smaller than the CAD model’s original diameter. A selected HMN array (h: 1.55 mm; d: 354.25 µm at the top, 357.29 µm at the bottom) is tested on an agar gel skin model containing glucose solution. The HMN array demonstrated rapid fluid uptake within 10 s when pressed, while the integrated sensor responded to analytes and reached peak signal within 15 s. Although further optimization is needed, these results showcase the potential of HMN array implementation using a straightforward and rapid fabrication approach in developing healthcare monitoring wearables.