A Potential Assay Towards Rapid miRNA Detection from Skin Interstitial Fluid Using a Hydrogel Microneedle Patch Integrated with DNA Probe and Graphene Oxide

Abstract

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a type of short, non-coding nucleic acid molecule that plays essential roles in diagnosing and prognosing various types of cancer. MiRNAs are abundantly present in skin interstitial fluid (ISF), providing real-time and localized physiological information. Hydrogel microneedle (HMN) patches enable miRNA collection in a fast, pain-free, minimally invasive, and user-friendly manner. In this study, we introduced a fluorescence-based HMN assay, named the HMN-miR sensor, composed of methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) and graphene oxide-probe DNA (GO.pDNA) conjugate for miR21 and miR210 detection. The HMN-miR sensor demonstrates excellent skin penetration efficiency, rapid ISF collection capability, and sufficient miRNA detection and sequence identification specificity. The HMN-miR sensor introduces a new assay that, with further optimization, could be applied in future clinical settings. Its simple fabrication process and excellent biocompatibility give it significant potential for various clinical uses, such as personalized cancer treatment and monitoring the healing progress of burn wounds.