Open AccessSampling interstitial fluid from human skin using a microneedle patch
Author(s) -
Pradnya P. Samant,
Megan M. Niedzwiecki,
Nicholas Raviele,
ViLinh Tran,
Juan Mena-Lapaix,
Douglas I. Walker,
Eric I. Felner,
Dean P. Jones,
Gary W. Miller,
Mark R. Prausnitz
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
science translational medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.819
H-Index - 216
eISSN - 1946-6242
pISSN - 1946-6234
DOI - 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw0285
Subject(s) - interstitial fluid , human skin , medicine , sampling (signal processing) , human plasma , biomedical engineering , tissue fluid , pathology , chemistry , biology , chromatography , computer science , genetics , filter (signal processing) , computer vision
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.