Transdermal Polymeric Microneedle Sensing Platform for Fentanyl Detection in Biofluid

Abstract

Opioid drugs are extremely potent synthetic analytes, and their abuse is common around the world. Hence, a rapid and point-of-need device is necessary to assess the presence of this compound in body fluid so that a timely countermeasure can be provided to the exposed individuals. Herein, we present an attractive microneedle sensing platform for the detection of the opioid drug fentanyl in real serum samples using an electrochemical detection method. The device contained an array of pyramidal microneedle structures that were integrated with platinum (Pt) and silver (Ag) wires, each with a microcavity opening. The working sensor was modified by graphene ink and subsequently with 4 (3-Butyl-1-imidazolio)-1-butanesulfonate) ionic liquid. The microneedle sensor showed direct oxidation of fentanyl in liquid samples with a detection limit of 27.8 μM by employing a highly sensitive square-wave voltammetry technique. The resulting microneedle-based sensing platform displayed an interference-free fentanyl detection in diluted serum without conceding its sensitivity, stability, and response time. The obtained results revealed that the microneedle sensor holds considerable promise for point-of-need fentanyl detection and opens additional opportunities for detecting substances of abuse in emergencies.

Microneedle-based transdermal detection and sensing devices

“…11 Moreover, Joshi et al proposed an interference-free fentanyl detecting assay using microneedles, the sensing performance of which was verified in diluted serum. 89 Similarly, in situ monitoring of apomorphine 90 and levodopa 91 has also been validated in microneedles, providing attractive tools for drug abuse control.…”

Microneedle‐Integrated Device for Transdermal Sampling and Analyses of Targeted Biomarkers

“…These devices can generate micrometer-scale pathways in the stratum corneum, the topmost layer of the epidermis, for body fluid extraction. [1,[3][4][5] Numerous studies reported on the design of MN patches for transdermal drug delivery and biosensing. For example, Chua et al described the skin penetration and ISF collection parameters that were associated with various shapes of MN arrays.…”

“…These devices can generate micrometer‐scale pathways in the stratum corneum, the topmost layer of the epidermis, for body fluid extraction. [ 1,3–5 ]…”

Excimer Laser Patterned Holey Graphene Oxide Films for Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Sensing

“…Compared to other approaches, voltammetric studies are observed to be more precise, explanatory, and cost-effective. 17 A few previous studies report a <1 nM detection limit (LOD) for H 2 O 2 sensing; nonenzymatic H 2 O 2 sensing has demonstrated sensitivity in the micro−millimolar range. 18−22 Previous studies focused on holey graphene synthesis using CO 2 lasers (wavelength (λ) = 10,600 nm).…”

“…Over the years, several sensing techniques like electrochemical (e.g., cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry), enzymatic, chemical, and spectroscopy techniques have demonstrated accurate evaluation of H 2 O 2 levels. Compared to other approaches, voltammetric studies are observed to be more precise, explanatory, and cost-effective . A few previous studies report a <1 nM detection limit (LOD) for H 2 O 2 sensing; nonenzymatic H 2 O 2 sensing has demonstrated sensitivity in the micro–millimolar range. − …”