Sampling interstitial fluid from human skin using a microneedle patch

Tissue interstitial fluid (ISF) surrounds cells and is an underutilized source of biomarkers that complements conventional sources such as blood and urine. However, ISF has received limited attention due largely to lack of simple collection methods. Here, we developed a minimally invasive, microneed...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science translational medicine 2020-11, Vol.12 (571)
Main Authors: Samant, Pradnya P, Niedzwiecki, Megan M, Raviele, Nicholas, Tran, Vilinh, Mena-Lapaix, Juan, Walker, Douglas I, Felner, Eric I, Jones, Dean P, Miller, Gary W, Prausnitz, Mark R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomarkers
Caffeine
Child
Diabetes mellitus
Extracellular Fluid
Humans
Hydrogels
Mass spectroscopy
Needles
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics
Skin
Young adults
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Tissue interstitial fluid (ISF) surrounds cells and is an underutilized source of biomarkers that complements conventional sources such as blood and urine. However, ISF has received limited attention due largely to lack of simple collection methods. Here, we developed a minimally invasive, microneedle-based method to sample ISF from human skin that was well tolerated by participants. Using a microneedle patch to create an array of micropores in skin coupled with mild suction, we sampled ISF from 21 human participants and identified clinically relevant and sometimes distinct biomarkers in ISF when compared to companion plasma samples based on mass spectrometry analysis. Many biomarkers used in research and current clinical practice were common to ISF and plasma. Because ISF does not clot, these biomarkers could be continuously monitored in ISF similar to current continuous glucose monitors but without requiring an indwelling subcutaneous sensor. Biomarkers distinct to ISF included molecules associated with systemic and dermatological physiology, as well as exogenous compounds from environmental exposures. We also determined that pharmacokinetics of caffeine in healthy adults and pharmacodynamics of glucose in children and young adults with diabetes were similar in ISF and plasma. Overall, these studies provide a minimally invasive method to sample dermal ISF using microneedles and demonstrate human ISF as a source of biomarkers that may enable research and translation for future clinical applications.
ISSN:1946-6234
1946-6242
1946-3242
DOI:10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw0285