A microwell-based impedance sensor on an insertable microneedle for real-time in vivo cytokine detection

Abstract

Impedance-based protein detection sensors for point-of-care diagnostics require quantitative specificity, as well as rapid or real-time operation. Furthermore, microfabrication of these sensors can lead to the formation of factors suitable for in vivo operation. Herein, we present microfabricated needle-shaped microwell impedance sensors for rapid-sample-to-answer, label-free detection of cytokines, and other biomarkers. The microneedle form factor allows sensors to be utilized in transcutaneous or transvascular sensing applications. In vitro, experimental characterization confirmed sensor specificity and sensitivity to multiple proteins of interest. Mechanical characterization demonstrated sufficient microneedle robustness for transcutaneous insertion, as well as preserved sensor function postinsertion. We further utilized these sensors to carry out real-time in vivo quantification of human interleukin 8 (hIL8) concentration levels in the blood of transgenic mice that endogenously express hIL8. To assess sensor functionality, hIL8 concentration levels in serum samples from the same mice were quantified by ELISA. Excellent agreement between real-time in vivo sensor readings in blood and subsequent ELISA serum assays was observed over multiple transgenic mice expressing hIL8 concentrations from 62 pg/mL to 539 ng/mL.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 26, 2021
Source ID
10.1038/s41378-021-00297-4

Entities

People

  • Flavia Vitale
  • Hanju Oh
  • Mark G. Allen
  • Mehdi Javanmard
  • Naixin Song
  • Pengfei Xie
  • Wen Shen
  • Yejia Zhang

Organizations

  • National Science Foundation
  • United States Department of Defense

Tags

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.