A Microneedle-Based IgE Aptasensor for Transdermal Detection of Food Allergy Sensitization

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Food allergies can trigger life-threatening reactions called anaphylaxis, mediated by IgE antibodies. Thus, IgE level monitoring is critical for early sensitization detection and preventive allergy management; however, its low circulating concentration requires highly sensitive and selective biosensors. In this work, we developed the AllergE patch, a wearable microneedle-based electrochemical IgE biosensor, enabling noninvasive, continuous IgE monitoring from dermal interstitial fluid. The microneedles are designed to have a hybrid hollow–porous architecture with the needle’s inner bore functionalized with redox-tagged IgE-specific aptamers, enabling reliable and robust electrochemical detection of IgE based on target-induced aptamer conformational changes. The platform demonstrates exceptional analytical performance with a 30.6 pg/mL limit of detection and a wide dynamic range (88 pg/mL–100 ng/mL), validated through skin models and ex vivo human skin tissue, in addition to a high specificity toward IgE. Overall, the AllergE patch presents significant promise for painless allergy sensitization testing, offering high patient compliance and reducing the risk of anaphylaxis.