Wearable All-Solid-State Potentiometric Microneedle Patch for Intradermal Potassium Detection.

A new analytical all-solid-state platform for intradermal potentiometric detection of potassium in interstitial fluid is presented here. Solid microneedles are modified with different coatings and polymeric membranes to prepare both the potassium-selective electrode and reference electrode needed for the potentiometric readout. These microneedle-based electrodes are fixed in an epidermal patch suitable for insertion into the skin. The analytical performances observed for the potentiometric cell (Nernstian slope, limit of detection of 10-4.9 potassium activity, linear range of 10-4.2 to 10-1.1, drift of 0.35 ± 0.28 mV h-1), together with a fast response time, adequate selectivity, and excellent reproducibility and repeatability, are appropriate for potassium analysis in interstitial fluid within both clinical and harmful levels. The potentiometric response is maintained after several insertions into animal skin, confirming the resiliency of the microneedle-based sensor. Ex vivo tests based on the intradermal detection of potassium in chicken and porcine skin demonstrate that the microneedle patch is suitable for monitoring potassium changes inside the skin. In addition, the dimensions of the microneedles modified with the corresponding layers necessary to enhance robustness and provide sensing capabilities (1000 μm length, 45° tip angle, 15 μm thickness in the tip, and 435 μm in the base) agree with the required ranges for a painless insertion into the skin. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments showed that the patch can be used for at least 24 h without any side effect for the skin cells. Overall, the developed concept constitutes important progress in the intradermal analysis of ions related to an electrolyte imbalance in humans, which is relevant for the control of certain types of diseases.