A Porous Microneedle Array Connected to Microfluidic System for ISF Collection

Continuous sampling of interstitial fluids from the human skin is a key technique for clinical bioassays using micro total analysis (μTAS) technologies. Here, we present a porous microneedle (MN) array to be connected to a custom-designed microfluidic system for the minimally invasive access to the dermis. The pores and surface of the porous PDMS array are covered with hyaluronic acid to enhance mechanical strength and to achieve a fluidic path of water inside the MN bodies. The fabricated MN array is capable to penetrate an agarose gel phantom and extracts water contained in the gel, indicating the fluidic connection between the MN array and the microfluidic system.