Microneedle Array Based Optical Biosensors for Minimally-Invasive Skin Cancer Diagnostics

The general objective of the research project is the development of a minimally invasive biosensing device that will serve as a point-of-care diagnostic and longitudinal monitoring tool for cutaneous melanoma. More specifically, the aim is to formulate a micro-needling platform that will enable in-vivo sampling and on-needle quantification of target biomarkers in interstitial fluid (ISF) coupled with an optical biosensing method. The fundamental of the suggested platform relies on the functionalization of microneedles with suitable biorecognition elements that can penetrate the upper skin layers, post on-skin attachment of the patch, and selectively capturing biomarkers in the ISF, followed by in situ analysis.

The identification of biomarkers results in a specific binding between the receptor and analyte that is therefore analysed by performing a suitable fluorescent immunoassay. Finally, the employment of the assay ex-vivo results in the quantification of the concentration of biomarkers in the interstitial fluid and is correlated to a diagnosis verdict. The development of the suggested tool will enable clinicians to tackle the current challenges in the diagnostics field. The employed materials and performed assays are characterized by low cost, availability, and due to their small size, compactness, and portability. Also, since the microneedles of the platform do not reach the neurons of the skin, the patient inconvenience and side effects that accompany biopsy are eliminated. Furthermore, biosensors offer rapid diagnostic time coupled with high sensitivity and selectivity.