journal article·2026-05Open access

Fabrication of Transparent Microneedle Patch for Minimally Invasive Glucose Monitoring Optical Biosensor

Nayeon Kwon, Yerin Hong, Daehyeon Yoo, Yongsuk Eo, Seokho Jung, Hoesung Yang, Jinah Lee, Siyun Lee, WonJun Jang, Han‐Jun Kim, Dong Nyoung Heo, Jinwook Yoon, Il Keun Kwon, Dae Hyeok Yang, Junhong Min, Taek Lee

Small Structures· Volume 7· Issue 5

Abstract

Diabetes is a growing global health concern that requires continuous glucose monitoring. Conventional methods involve painful blood sampling, which is particularly challenging for young and elderly patients. Microneedle (MN) emerges as minimally invasive devices that enable blood glucose monitoring without pain. However, most reported MN sensors rely on amperometric methods, which reduce biocompatibility due to mediator release and toxicity. To address this, acetic acid and chitosan MN (A.C. MN) were fabricated using biocompatible chitosan and glycerin for mechanical strength. Glucose oxidase (GOx) is incorporated as a probe, enabling glucose detection without additional immobilization. The A.C. MN array (15 × 15, 700 μm length) absorbs ≈5 μL of interstitial fluid in agarose skin models and nude mice. An optical biosensor integrated with a Bluetooth module captures GOx‐mediated colorimetric responses and transmits real‐time glucose data. Luminosity values increase linearly with glucose concentration, achieving a detection limit of 23.9 mg dL −1 . Specificity tests confirm selective glucose detection in interstitial fluid. In vivo evaluation using diabetic and normal mice demonstrates distinct glucose responses, validating device functionality. This minimally invasive A.C. MN biosensor eliminates enzyme immobilization steps, enhances patient comfort, and provides portable real‐time monitoring, making it a promising platform for glucose management.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery · Electrochemical sensors and biosensors · Spectroscopy Techniques in Biomedical and Chemical Research

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Chemical Engineering Kwangwoon University Seoul Republic of Korea

AbGTech Seoul Republic of Korea

Digital Convergence Research Laboratory Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) Daejeon Republic of Korea

Biofriends Inc. Seoul Republic of Korea

Interdisciplinary Major Program in Innovative Pharmaceutical Sciences Korea University Sejong Republic of Korea

College of Pharmacy Korea University Sejong Republic of Korea

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery College of Medicine Korea University Seoul Republic of Korea

Department of Dental Materials Kyung Hee University Seoul Republic of Korea

Department of Biologics and Engineering The Catholic University of Korea Bucheon‐si, Gyeonggi‐do Republic of Korea

School of Integrative Engineering Chung‐Ang University Seoul Republic of Korea

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